If you’ve just had a tooth extracted, you’re probably wondering if it’s okay to smoke. The short answer is no. It’s not a good idea to smoke after having a tooth pulled. So, here’s your guide to knowing what to do and what not to do after a tooth extraction procedure.
Can You Smoke After Tooth Extraction?
The simple answer is no. Imagine you just got your tooth extracted. Would you be in a position to light a cigarette in the very first place? The pain and swelling after this dental procedure will make you so preoccupied that you might even forget to smoke. Well, tooth extraction aftermath stays for a long time, and it takes a few days for the extracted area to heal correctly. However, your lifestyle becomes a significant factor in your gums healing.
Will I Get A Dry Socket If I Smoke?
Even if you haven’t gotten your tooth extraction done, you will develop a dry socket if you’re a smoker. It is primarily because of the sucking action while having a cigarette, which is responsible for dislodging a blood clot. Dentists highly recommend that people with severe dental health issues abstain from smoking daily. Dentists have stated that the chances of smokers getting a dry socket is 58%. However, getting a dry socket becomes imperative, especially when you undergo a tooth extraction.
How Long Do I Have To Wait To Smoke After Tooth Extraction?
Dentists highly suggest that you wait for at least 72 hours after the oral procedure. When your tooth is extracted, the extraction site forms blood clots. This clot must remain intact to ensure the wound is healing correctly. Suppose you notice the clots are moving quickly. In that case, you might experience a dry socket, which is a painful experience, and you don’t want it. Most importantly, once you suck on the cigarette, it pulls blood clots and makes dry sockets.
Effects Of Smoking After Tooth Extraction
When you smoke, a large amount of heat enters your mouth along with the chemicals it contains. Of course, these materials are harmful to oral health, even if you haven’t done a tooth extraction. This not only stains your teeth, but your extracted site gets dry, leading to the development of other oral diseases. Furthermore, smoking increases the pain you experience after the tooth extraction, ultimately slowing the healing process. Although we all know that breaking a smoking habit is very difficult for most people,. But this is a compromise that will eventually benefit you and your oral health.
The Bottomline
Smoking can irritate the extraction site and delay healing. It can increase your risk of developing an infection after tooth extraction. It’s best to avoid smoking altogether after having a tooth pulled. But if you can’t resist, at least wait until the gauze packing has been removed, and be sure to brush and rinse your mouth afterward.
