Is it okay/safe to fly if you have a tooth infection?

My boyfriend scheduled my flight just a few days before the infection started acting up and appear (swollen left jaw). After 2 days of pain, i go to my family dentist and let her know whats up, so she prescribes Amoxicillin and acetaminophen with codeine. I stop taking the pain killer after I noticed My face blew up cause I thought it was an allergic reaction(but wasnt it was my tooth causng swelling) and was also orderd to by my dentist. Anyway. Ive been taking the antibiotics for 3 days now and want to know how long it will take for the swelling to down and if it is safe to travel with the infection. I leave on the 17th to north carolina from california and come back home on the 21st.

Is it okay/safe to fly if you have a tooth infection?
Changes in cabin pressure will sometimes cause more severe pain, but I'd think this is less likely when you already have facial swelling. If this is the lower jaw, you should know that it can be a medical emergency if you start getting swelling under the tongue in the floor of your mouth. Not likely to happen if you've already been on antibiotics for 3 days, but if it does get to an ER immediately.





Steve Bornfeld, DDS
Reply:If the antibiotic is effective against the bacteria causing the infection, the swelling should stop increasing within 3 days or so. Occasionally it will need draining. E mail if you need to discuss further; your profile does not allow e-mail





Steve Bornfeld, DDS Report It

Reply:Im pretty sure you can, just bereally carefull.
Reply:The changes in the air pressure in the cabin may cause you some discomfort, but you'll probably be okay. Just don't forget to take your antibiotics!