How Soon Can I Travel After Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a great solution to treat tooth loss because they have over a 95% success rate. They can last for decades, so you’ll never have to worry about gaps in your smiles again. However, the process of getting dental implants takes longer than with traditional methods, like bridges or dentures. It’s time well spent to invest in the next best thing to your real teeth. Unfortunately, this can put a kink in your travel plans. Here’s how long you’ll need to wait before you can travel after getting dental implants.

Process of Getting Dental Implants

A dental implant is the only method to replace both the root and the crown of a lost tooth. It rebuilds the entire structure from the root up, which can take several months to complete. Although every treatment plan differs, here’s what you can expect when investing in dental implants:

• Consultation: A consultation is your first step to treating tooth loss. Your periodontist will perform a visual examination and review a CT scan to ensure your candidate for dental implants. They’ll create a personalized treatment plan to replace your lost teeth.
• Preliminary Procedures: Based on the results of your consultation, you may need a little prep work before your placement surgery. It’s not uncommon to need tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, bone grafting, or a sinus lift.
• Implant Placement: After recovering from any preliminary treatments, you’ll have oral surgery to surgically place your implant post into your jawbone.
• Abutments and Restorations: Once your jaw has fused with your post through a process called osseointegration, an abutment is connected to the post to attach your restoration.

Traveling After Dental Implant Surgery

Since every situation differs, but you shouldn’t jump on a plane right away. Your periodontist may have individualized recommendations to follow after each step of your treatment, like resting for a few days. If you have travel plans, you might have to delay them a bit.

If you don’t need a bone graft or sinus lift, there will be less trauma to the area, so you can fly almost immediately. If you need multiple dental implants or your surgery is complex, you may need to wait 10 to 14 days before departing. The same general rule can be applied if bone grafting or a sinus lift is required.

Be sure to let your periodontist know about your intent to travel. They’ll monitor your recovery to determine when it’s safe for you to depart.

About Dr. Frano Cordini

Dr. Cordini achieved his dental degree from Creighton University School of Dentistry before completing extensive training in periodontics at the University of Louisville. He has over 2 decades of experience treating the most complex oral health issues, like tooth loss and gum disease. Request an appointment through our website or call (502) 317-1122.