Root Canal 12 hours before we leave?

[Macduffy]

Just curious... I found out I need a root canal as a filling is loose (I'm in no pain). I leave in 7 days and the only time the dentist can get me in is 12 hours before my departure. Would you take the appointment or would you wait until you get home and hope all stays fine and dandy on the trip?

My previous root canal went horribly wrong and I needed some serious pain meds. This is a semi complicated root canal I'm told, and I'm worried the same thing will happen. This would ruin my trip due to pain (or I will spend it looped out on percocet). I'm also worried I could be stuck in the USA with a dental emergency (lost filling) if I don't get it done. Thoughts?

 

[iheartglaciers]

Could you talk with your dentist and get his/her opinion? If putting the filling back in is simple or if there's a high risk it will get worse if you wait, than I would consider doing it before the trip. But if it's anything like getting a root canal for the first time, I couldn't imagine going on vacation right afterwards. I remember after my root canal I was in pain and couldn't eat normal foods (which is part of the fun of going on vacation!)

 

[hcortesis]

I have had at least 8 and more probably like 10 root canals with no issues. But if it was me, I would have my dentist call around and get an emergency appt. somewhere else at least 2 or 3 days before i was to depart.

 

[CanadianKrista]

Would you have a temporary crown on the tooth while travelling then? If I recall correctly from my 2, I had the root canal with a temporary crown put on, then the final one later as they have to make it to fit the stump of the tooth. I think I'd be nervous travelling with the temporary crown - but I also wouldn't want the pain I had before the root canals while on vacation. if it isn't bothering you though, I'd be tempted to wait. So hard to know, I totally understand your dilemma!

 

[dancin Disney style]

When I had a root canal I didn't even take a Tylenol after but I still wouldn't travel to another country 12 hours later. If this is your regular dentist would he/she not fit you in earlier due to your circumstances? Mine certainly would.

 

[lorenni]

No, you should not fly 12 hours after a root canal. Your sinuses are heavily integrated with your jaw/nerves (this is why your teeth may hurt when you have a cold or allergies).

Your dentists will almost assuredly advise you against flying so soon. If he/she doesn't, then I would be looking for another dentist with a lower risk threshold.