Now that the weather is warming up, you may be counting down the days until your next staycation or getaway. Your PTO has been approved, your bags are packed, your activities are booked… and your endodontist confirms that you need a root canal. Will this tooth-saving procedure interfere with your summer plans? Keep reading to find out!
First, Is It Okay to Travel After Getting a Root Canal?
In short, yes, you can travel after getting a root canal. However, there are certain complications that may arise. For example, the changes in altitude while on an airplane can result in discomfort, sinus pain, and soreness. Therefore, it’s best to schedule your travel plans around your dental work whenever possible. If it isn’t, then talk to your endodontist about how to care for your smile while away from home.
5 Must-Know Tips for Traveling After Your Treatment
Taking care of your teeth at home is easy enough since you have everything you need, you know where all your oral hygiene tools are, and your endodontist isn’t far if a complication arises. The same cannot be said when you’re away. Don’t worry – here are a few tips to ensure you don’t negatively impact the healing process while on vacation:
- Double (and triple!) check that you’ve packed all of your oral hygiene essentials, including your toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
- Pack a pain reliever, like ibuprofen, that you can take when any discomfort arises.
- Stick to soft foods at first, like yogurt, applesauce, and oatmeal, especially if you have a temporary crown.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your mouth clean of plaque and other debris.
- Keep your endodontist’s phone number with you – you never know if you’re going to need it!
How to Prevent a Dental Emergency While Traveling
Dental injuries are never convenient, but they are especially stressful when you’re away from home. Luckily, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing one, including:
- Maintain a solid oral hygiene routine
- Avoid unhealthy dental habits, like smoking and using your teeth as tools to open things
- Limit your consumption of sugary foods and beverages
- Eat mostly well-balanced, nutrient-dense meals
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports, like beach volleyball
Root canal therapy may seem inconvenient right before you leave for vacation, but it’s ultimately the key to saving your tooth. After all, your trip won’t be very fun if you’re struggling with a painful toothache the whole time!
About the Practice
At Worcester Endodontics, your smile is in the hands of exceptional tooth-saving specialists. As board-certified endodontists, they focus on providing patients with meticulous, personalized, and comfortable treatments, including root canal therapy. Even better, they offer several sedation options as well, ensuring you can have the stress-free experience you deserve. If you want to learn more about root canal aftercare or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 755-3636.