Can I Smoke After Tooth Extraction?
Getting directly to the point, the answer is no. Please do not smoke. You may subject yourself to some serious complications that can be easily avoided. Let’s review the tooth extraction procedure, the commonalities and then the methodical recovery process and why it is so important.
The Tooth Extraction Process
Every dentist in the industry will do everything they can to save all of your natural teeth. Sometimes it is simple accident that damages a tooth or even breaks one off. Or it could be an abyss, an unrepairable cavity, a root canal that leaves the tooth too weak, or the implications of gum disease. Tooth extractions happen.
An easy extraction starts with a local anesthetic that numbs the immediate area. A hand-held dental tool called an elevator is then used to pull the tooth. Biting on gauze to stop the bleeding from the empty socket is the very first step in recovery.
If a tooth is impacted and needs to be removed from below the surface the local anesthetic again allows the dentist to open an incision in the soft tissue to get access to the tooth. The tooth is again pulled, and the incision will be closed with sutures. Gauze is till necessary to stop the bleeding.
The Simple and Deliberate Healing Process
It is all about the blood clot. It needs 24 to 48 hours to form and protect that empty socket. No sucking beverages through a straw, no hot beverages and no alcohol. Depending on the location of the tooth you will be advised to consider a softer diet and to even be careful with your toothbrush.
The Serious Implications of Smoking after a Tooth Extraction
The American Dental Association publishes that the healing will be delayed due to the negative effects on oral health from smoking. The blood supply will be diminished to the extraction site from smoking. Tobacco products have a noxious chemical that is not healthy for the soft tissue. Infections can result from this longer healing process adding to complications.
Just like the straw, you can’t inhale on a cigarette for 24 to 48 hours. Remember, it is about that blood clot. The sucking action will dislodge the clot taking you back to square one. Often times when the clot is removed it results in a dry socket. These are very, very painful and you do not wish to experience this level of discomfort.
Some Final Steps in Healing from a Tooth Extraction
You will also be advised to avoid physical activity for a short period of time. Providing you have shared a complete medical history prior to your tooth extraction there are medical conditions that can impair healing. Smoking is the easiest to isolate and hopefully control. Some dentists will suggest 72 hours without smoking. It might be the chance to try a nicotine patch. The dentist might possibly be able to add sutures to the site to minimize the necessity of the blood clot.
More Information on Teeth Extraction : Emergency Tooth Extractions