Can You Smoke After Tooth Extraction?
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There is no doubt that dental procedures can be rough for people who smoke. But wisdom tooth extractions are especially worse. The urge to take a quick smoke break after the surgery can start plaguing you, intensifying the urges. You might even find yourself counting down the minutes and calculating how long until your next smoke. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! If you’re about to have a tooth extraction, but you keep wondering, “When can I smoke after wisdom tooth extraction?” make sure to keep reading this blog to find out.
Can You Smoke After Tooth Extraction?
Yes, you can smoke after getting your tooth extracted. However, it is strongly advised to avoid smoking post-surgery. Smoking can severely damage the extraction site and even delay the healing process by reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to the area.
Nicotine, especially, is a chemical that destroys your lungs and overall health. Not to mention, it also increases the risk of infection and other dental complications.
Moreover, smoking tends to delay clot formation, which causes the extraction site to dry out and turn into a dry socket. This happens when there is no blood clot to protect the surgical site, allowing bacteria to flow into the socket infecting it.
When Can I Smoke After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Dentists typically suggest quitting smoking. However, if you’re battling an addiction, give your mouth at least 72 hours to recover before lighting up a cigarette. It is also important to keep in mind that a vape or nicotine-flavored gum is also just as dangerous.
Not to mention, it is not just smoking that you have to avoid after wisdom tooth extraction, but also other actions that use similar motions, such as using a straw, sucking, swishing mouthwash, spitting, etc. This is only for three to four days after tooth removal, so your gums can form a blood clot with ease. It also helps in decreasing the risk of you getting a dry socket. However, if you are really struggling with the urge to smoke right after surgery, try your best to abstain for the first 24 hours since this is when your gums will be the most sensitive.
Tips to Prevent a Dry Socket After Extraction
If you don’t want to suffer from a dry socket after tooth extraction, follow the tips below and make sure to take good care of your oral hygiene.
- Give your teeth and gums enough time to heal.
- Do not rush into smoking, no matter how bad the urge may seem, or it can disrupt the healing process.
- If your dentist gives you the green light to smoke, inhale very slowly.
- Strictly limit how many times a day you can smoke.
- If you cannot control your cravings, talk to the dentist and try experimenting with nicotine patches instead.
- Be careful of what you eat and drink after the extraction surgery so you do not accidentally dislodge the blood clot.
- If something feels odd or there is too much pain at the extraction site, contact Dr. Samuel Collins for further diagnosis and treatment.
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Final Takeaway
To summarize, it is crucial to wait for at least 72 hours after wisdom tooth extraction to go back to smoking. No matter how bad your cravings may seem, do not give in to them. Instead, talk to a medical professional and discuss other alternatives to satisfy the urges. For more information on how to keep your oral health in good shape and other tooth extraction aftercare tips, contact Rosenberg Dental & Implant Center today at (281) 369-9242.