We know that smoking is a hazardous habit with several negative health effects. But did you know that smoking after tooth extraction may result in far more severe complications?
After your tooth-pulling stunt, it may be tempting to fire up a cigarette, but doing so can delay recovery, increase the chance of infection, and lead to several other risks that you might not even be aware of.
Smoking can harm the healing process following a tooth extraction. Therefore it’s important to be aware of the dangers. Let’s look at why smoking after a tooth extraction is a strict no-no from dentists.
Possible Complications of Smoking After Tooth Extraction
Smoking exposes your body to dangerous substances that might weaken your immune system and delay healing. Other than that, it additionally leads to a decline in blood flow to the injured area, which prolonging recovery and raising the chance of infection.
Moreover, the gravest danger of smoking after a tooth extraction is developing a painful condition known as a dry socket, which happens when the blood clot in the socket dissolves or is displaced, exposing the underlying bone and nerves.
A dry socket may trigger excruciating pain, foul breath, and a terrible taste. It may also delay the healing process and raise the risk of infection. You must immediately call your dentist if you experience any of these signs.
A dry socket is a dental emergency; you should not wait to seek dental help if you experience symptoms.
5 Signs You Have Developed Dry Socket
- A dry socket can cause severe and continuous pain that may radiate to the ear and temple on the same side as the extraction.
- The site of the extraction may have a foul odor or taste.
- The socket may appear empty or show visible bone.
- The socket may take longer than usual to heal.
- Swelling and inflammation of the gum tissue around the socket may occur.
Smoking After Tooth Extraction – How Long Is The Wait?
It is best that you avoid smoking for at least 72 hours following your tooth extraction. However, if you can, wait a little longer to increase the chances of fully recovering without complications.
Smoking after a tooth extraction is strongly not advised to do so since it can greatly slow the healing process and raise the risk of issues like dry sockets.
What’s the reason behind it?
When you smoke, the suction created by inhaling can dislodge the blood clot that forms at the extraction site, which is necessary for proper healing. This can lead to a condition called dry socket, where the socket becomes exposed, causing significant pain and increasing the risk of infection.
Additionally, smoking can also constrict blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to the extraction site, further impeding the healing process.
Therefore, waiting at least 48-72 hours after a tooth extraction before smoking is best to allow the blood clot to form and the healing process to begin. If possible, it is even better to quit smoking altogether, as smoking can have numerous negative effects on oral and overall health.
Final Note
In case you develop signs of dry socket after tooth extraction, get in touch with a dental care expert from Modena Dentistry right away to deal with this issue at (346) 966-3362. You can also find us at 6915 Farm to Market 1960 Rd W Suite G, Houston, TX 77069, right next to the T-Mobile outlet.