Can you smoke after wisdom teeth removal? This is a question that many people are asking after having their wisdom teeth removed. The answer is no, you cannot smoke after wisdom teeth removal. It is recommended by dentists that patients wait at least 1 week after the extraction before smoking. This article discusses everything you need to know about smoking after wisdom teeth removal, from why it’s discouraged, when it becomes safe, and how to minimize risks when smoking occurs.
Why Can You Not Smoke After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The main reason why you cannot smoke after wisdom teeth removal is that it can lead to a dry socket. A dry socket is when the blood clot that forms in the empty socket after an extraction dissolves or is dislodged. This exposes the bone and nerves, leading to pain, infection, and other complications. In theory, a dry socket can also prolong the healing time after your wisdom teeth removal.
Smoking increases the risk of developing a dry socket for two reasons. Firstly, the pressure caused by sucking on a cigarette to inhaling smoke can dislodge the blood clot. Secondly, the chemicals in cigarettes (nicotine and tar) can delay healing by preventing blood vessels from expanding and contracting properly.
When Can You Smoke After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The general rule is that you should wait at least 1 week after your wisdom teeth removal before smoking. Dry socket occurrence tends to peak on the 4th day after surgery. So, by waiting at least one week, you can help ensure that the risk of dry sockets is minimized. This gives the socket time to heal and the blood clot to form properly.
At an absolute minimum, it’s a good idea to wait for the 4th day, as this is when the risk of dry sockets is highest.
Of course, it’s always best to wait longer if possible. If you can wait 2 weeks or even longer, that’s even better. The sooner you smoke after the surgery, the greater the risk you’ll experience dry socket.
How to Minimize Risks When Smoke After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Let’s be clear, there is no such thing as “safe” smoking. It is also absolutely the recommendation of dentists to NOT smoke all together for at least a week after your extraction. Other options such as nicotine patches may be a worthwhile investigation to hold you over in cases that you need them.
However, if you are going to smoke, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risks:
The Moments Directly After Surgery are Critical
The first 4 days after your surgery are when you’re at the greatest risk for developing a dry socket. The sooner after the surgery occurs the more critical it is not to smoke. So, if you can, it’s best to avoid smoking for as long as possible in the days after your extraction.
Minimize the Amount of Smoking you do
This one is pretty straightforward. The less you smoke, the lower your risk of dry socket or other complications will be. If you can only smoke once a day, that’s better than smoking multiple times throughout the day.
Minimize the Amount of Suction you Create
When you inhale smoke from a cigarette, it creates a suction force. This suction can dislodge the blood clot in the socket and cause a dry socket. So, it’s important to minimize the amount of suction you create when smoking. One way to do this is to take shallow puffs instead of deep drags.
Be Careful About What Chemicals You Inhale
As we mentioned earlier, the chemicals in cigarettes can delay healing. So, it’s important to be careful about what chemicals you inhale when smoking. If possible, try to avoid smoking cigarettes that contain nicotine or tar. These chemicals can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.
How Can I tell if I have a dry socket?
Usually, a dry socket is extremely painful and is easy to differentiate from normal healing pain. There are some other telltale signs of a dry socket for those that are unsure.
In general, in comparison to a normal socket containing a blood clot, a dry socket appears empty. The normal blood clot that protects the exposed bone has dissolved or been dislodged, leaving the bone and nerves unprotected. Additionally, the gum tissue around a dry socket is often inflamed and may be tender to the touch. In most cases, dry socket symptoms and signs include:
- An empty-looking tooth socket; Lacking blood clots or granulation tissues that are seen in normal healing (Dry sockets may be filled with saliva, food, or other debris)
- Visible bone on the walls of the empty socket may be visible or could be partially covered with gray/yellow layers of necrotic tissues.
- The gum tissue surrounding the extraction site is inflamed (reddish, painful, swollen).’
For more information on dry sockets vs clots take a look at our article regarding the topic. If you believe you have a dry socket contact a dentist for an individualized treatment plan.
A Note on Smoking
It’s important to note that smoking is not an inherently “safe” activity. Smoking can pose many risks to your health, even if you don’t have wisdom teeth surgery. These risks include an increased risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral health problems.
There are also various non-dental related risks associated with smoking cigarettes, including an increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. So, even if you do smoke after wisdom teeth surgery, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved.
If you can avoid smoking altogether, that’s always the best option. If you can’t or don’t want to avoid smoking, be sure to take precautions to minimize the risks.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
SAVE TIME AND MONEY AT ANY DENTIST
Less dental work is healthier for you. Learn what you can do to minimize the cost of dental procedures and avoid the dentist altogether!
English