Is it really okay to have a tooth extracted 2 weeks before a holiday?

[6anda]

Hi there,

I am posting here for some reassurance as I have worried myself sick over this.

I am due to have a tooth out on Thursday. back in January whilst seeing the dentist for a totally different tooth I was informed that a lower right molar I had root treated 5 years ago is infected and the infection is going into the jaw.

I had not felt it due to having the root canal previously so I was shocked. Every now and then I har a little tenderness but thought nothing of it.

I was denied an apisectomy following referral and told it needed re rooting, after paying a specialist to look they said they could re root it but was only a 50/50 chance and the best outcome would be extraction + implant as the cost of the retreatment and crown by a specialist is high anyway and might not work. The extraction is now booked.

However I am worried to the point of lack of sleep as 2 weeks exactly following the extraction I am leaving for my absolute dream holiday for 3 weeks. I am worried 2 weeks is not enough time to heal, that the socket will get infected or be bad on the plane. I am upset I will not be able to experience the food or go out drinking with my friends or will not be recovered enough to walk for miles a day.

I am covinced the trip is ruined because of this tooth and I am so scared. It has been booked for months I cannot cancel the trip and may not ever afford it again I have been saving for 5 years.

I thought about leaving the infected tooth in until I am back (another 6 or 7ish weeks) as it has been infected since Jan with no pain and no swelling due to it being root treated but I am also terrified in doing this my trip will also be ruined as the infection will somehow spread or will swell up uncontrollably.

Either way I am scared and stressed and have been plagued by anxiety and unable to settle for the past few weeks. Was just hoping someone could assure me it will be ok for this molar to come out 2 weeks before my trip? Thank you.

 

[MountainMama]

I am in a similar situation. We have our first international trip planned for mid June. I was going to have to get my tooth extracted 2 weeks prior. Luckily, my dentist had a cancellation and I got in today.

I will say that two weeks, from my experience, has been enough to feel like doing things again. I had asked my endodontist about it and she said I could fly after an extraction pretty easily after just a few days, but a week is ideal. It won't affect the healing process...it is more about how you feel.

I will be flying with one tooth extracted, and another cracked tooth that hurts quite a bit but can hold off until we get back. At least I am crossing my fingers and praying it will hold out.

 

[ucdcrew]

I had a tooth out on a Friday morning and had a bone graft done, and flew the following Thursday. I had a checkup on the Wednesday before and begged him to take the stitches out cause they were bugging me but he would not do it. He just moved the knot though and then it didn't bug me anymore. I had no issue on the plane with the changes in altitude or anything. The only issue I had was that I decided to have Pei Wei for lunch in the airport and got some rice in my extraction socket which was a strange feeling until I rinsed it out. I also checked the bag that had my toothbrush in it, and wanted to brush my teeth after eating so ended up having to buy one in the airport. I recommend packing a toothbrush and a small tube of toothpaste in in whatever you carry on.

Just be careful about things that might get stuck, and you can chew on the other side of your mouth.