What to Expect During a Tooth Extraction Abroad

You may need a tooth extraction if you have severe decay that has reached the pulp, an impacted wisdom tooth causing pain, or advanced gum disease that has loosened the tooth's foundation. Today, people prefer dental tourism options to access high-quality dental care at a more affordable price compared to their home country.

When you get a tooth extraction abroad, the process usually takes between 20 to 90 minutes. Most international dentists use local anesthesia to numb the area, but you can request IV sedation if you feel anxious.

After the surgery, you should plan to rest for at least 24 hours. Total recovery for the gum tissue could take 3 to 7 days, while the underlying bone can take several months to fully heal.

Why Patients Travel for Dental Surgery

Medical tourism for dental treatments is growing in the world as it solves the problem of high costs in home countries and long waiting lists for surgery.

A local dentist may recommend an extraction if you have severe decay that cannot be fixed with a filling or for impacted wisdom teeth that are stuck under the gum line.

A dentist may also remove a tooth to fix a crowded mouth before braces or to stop the spread of bacteria from a failing tooth.

People prefer to have dental care in medical tourism destinations such as Mexico, Turkey, or Vietnam to save on costs or access specialized technology. Dental tourism destinations offer an advantage as the lower cost of living allows clinics to invest in 3D imaging technology and laser tools.

You also benefit from surgeons who perform these specific extractions with a high volume of transactions for international patients, which often leads to faster and more efficient surgery.

Additionally, dental tourism clinics are usually located in vacation spots, allowing you to recover in a comfortable hotel or resort while still spending less than you would for just the surgery at home.

Getting Prepared in Your Home Country

You can start planning your dental treatment abroad ahead of your flight to the destination.

You should visit your local dentist for a basic check-up and a digital X-ray because having a clear idea of the problem allows you to get more accurate quotes from international clinics.

You should also check your existing medications and talk to your doctor if you take blood thinners or aspirin as you may need to stop these a few days before surgery to prevent heavy bleeding.

It is also important to clear your schedule to give yourself a buffer of at least 3 to 5 days in the destination country. Rushing home immediately after surgery could increase the risk of complications.

Buying recovery supplies such as a travel-sized bottle of alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash and soft meal replacement shakes before you leave is a good idea. These supplies might be hard to find in a foreign pharmacy.

What to Expect During the Tooth Extraction Abroad

Many international dental clinics use 3D CBCT scans to map out your roots before they begin. Using this scan technology helps the surgeon avoid nerves and makes the surgery more predictable.

If the tooth is visible above the gum line, it is a simple extraction. The dentist numbs the area, uses a tool called an elevator to loosen the tooth, and removes it with forceps. You will feel pressure during this process, but you should not feel sharp pain.

If the tooth is broken or hasn't come through the gum yet, you will need a surgical extraction. The dentist makes a small incision in the gum to reach the tooth.

Modern dental clinics also offer Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), where the dentist uses a sample of your own blood to create a healing plug that is placed in the socket to speed up recovery.

Managing Your Recovery at the Hotel

A key part of your recovery is protecting the blood clot that forms in the empty socket as this clot acts like a natural bandage.

During the first 24 hours, you should rest with your head elevated and use ice packs on your cheek for 10 minutes at a time.

On the second and third days, you should stick to soft, cool foods such as yogurt or mashed potatoes.

Also, do not forget to request a "Fit to Fly" note and a copy of your 3D scans before you leave the clinic. You will need these documents if you require any follow-up care from your dentist back home.

Tips for a Safe Flight

You should follow the 48-hour rule and avoid booking your flight home for the same day as your surgery. Air pressure changes in the plane can cause a sharp pain in the tooth socket known as “Barodontalgia”.

Staying hydrated during the flight is also important as the airplane air is very dry.

After your surgery, avoid using a straw because the suction can pull the blood clot out and cause a painful dry socket.

It is also helpful to use a travel neck pillow to keep your head propped up during the flight and at the hotel. Keeping your head elevated will reduce blood flow to the jaw and keep swelling down.

FAQ: Common Questions About Extractions Abroad

Is it safe to get a tooth extraction abroad?

Many international clinics follow high safety standards. You should look for clinics with international accreditations and read recent patient reviews to confirm their quality of care.

How much does a tooth extraction cost abroad?

Costs vary by country, but simple extractions often range from $50 to $150. Surgical or wisdom tooth extractions may cost between $200 and $450.

What if my extraction site starts bleeding on the plane?

You should keep sterile gauze in your carry-on bag. Fold a clean piece into a thick pad, place it over the site, and bite down firmly for 30 to 45 minutes without stopping.

Takeaways

You should see a local dentist first to confirm you actually need an extraction before you travel.

You should demand a CBCT scan to help the surgeon avoid nerve damage during the procedure. It is best to stay in the destination country for at least 3 days to allow for initial healing.

Do not use a straw after surgery because this is one of the most common causes of dry socket pain for travelers.