Can I Smoke After Tooth Extraction?
For patients who smoke, it can be challenging to stop the use of tobacco, even when it is temporary following oral surgery. It is critical to wait at least 72 hours after a tooth extraction before smoking.
Smoking After a Tooth Extraction
Smoking after a tooth extraction can result in a variety of complications. After a tooth is removed, the mouth is delicate and precautions must be followed. A blood clot forms in the empty tooth socket. Fibroblasts, which are special cells plays an important role in healing process. Fibroblasts generate and the formation of bone begins. Smoking can prohibit the body’s natural response to the extraction. When patients smoke, their blood pressure raises and can lead to additional bleeding and dizziness. Patients may feel a throbbing, extreme pain at the extraction location. This occurs because the tobacco immediately damages the cells. Smokers’ blood contains carbon monoxide which lowers the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to the tissue around the wound. This interferes with the healing process. The reduction in oxygen results in painful healing and an increased risk of infection. One of the greatest risks is a dry socket developing at the extraction site. The sucking action used during smoking can cause the blood clot to come loose. Below are some complications which can occur following a tooth extraction:
- High blood pressure
- Dizziness
- Prolonged healing
- Infection
- Dry socket
Dry Sockets
One of the most painful complications which can occur following a tooth extraction is a dry socket. A dry socket, which is also called alveolar osteitis, results in an intense pain near the surgery site and prolongs the healing process. The socket which is left after the extraction is a hole in the bone. Following an extraction, a blood clot develops in the socket and protects the nerves from infection. However, it is possible for the clot to break down and the nerve and bone are exposed. An infection develops immediately and can lead to a dry socket. Dry sockets cause severe pain and can last up to a week.
To avoid developing a dry socket, be sure not to drink from a straw, don’t smoke after the procedure and maintain good oral hygiene.
Smoking After a Tooth Extraction
Patients should wait at least a day before smoking after a tooth extraction, however, the longer patients wait to smoke, the better. The ideal amount of time to wait is 72 hours. After 72 hours, there is a lower risk of developing a dry socket. Waiting to smoke helps expedite the healing process. It is critical for a blood clot to form at the site. If patients are unable to wait, it can be helpful to rinse out the mouth with warm salt water after smoking. Rinsing is also helpful after eating or drinking. While this don’t guarantee avoiding a dry socket, it helps reduce the risk of complications.
Waiting for at least three to four days before smoking greatly reduces the risk of complications. Avoid smoking until you are able see initial healing of your gums in the mirror. While it may be slightly inconvenient to modify daily activities, it is critical to follow these guidelines in order to help expedite the healing process and avoid painful complications.
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