If you’re like most people, you were probably told not to drink through a straw after having your wisdom teeth removed. This is because sucking on a straw can create suction and pull the blood clot out of the socket where your tooth was removed. If this happens, you could experience bleeding and pain. But what happens if you accidentally drank from a straw after your wisdom teeth removal? Should you be worried? Most likely not, but its better safe than sorry. In this article, we will discuss what to do if you accidentally drink from a straw after having your wisdom teeth removed!
Why is it dangerous to drink through a straw immediately following wisdom teeth removal?
When you suck on a straw, negative pressure is created in your mouth. This negative pressure can cause the blood clot that is protecting your wisdom tooth socket to become dislodged. If this happens, you can develop what is called a dry socket.
A dry socket is a painful condition that can lengthen your healing time and lead to other complications. To avoid developing a dry socket, you should at least wait 48 hours after your extraction before drinking from a straw.
Of course, like all healing, the longer you wait for the area to completely heal the better. The most critical days are those immediately following the surgery. However, there still is a risk of developing a dry socket by day 4. For that reason, we recommend waiting a full week before using a straw.
If I Drank Through a Straw, What Should I do?
If you accidentally drank from a straw before the recommended 48 hours had passed, don’t panic! While there is a chance that you may have pulled the blood clot out of your socket, it’s not guaranteed.
The first thing you should do is determine if you actually have developed a dry socket. If you have developed a dry socket, you will most likely be in significant amounts of pain since the nerves can become exposed. You may also notice that the area around your extraction looks empty or has visible bone. Additionally, there could be visible swelling in and around the gum area.
Usually, if you are not in pain, this usually means that you have not developed a dry socket and there is nothing to worry about. If this is the case, continue to follow your recovery instructions and try to avoid using a straw for at least a week.
However, if you are in pain, have any of the other symptoms mentioned above, or are just worried about possibly having a dry socket, contact your oral surgeon or dentist. They will be able to tell you if there is anything to worry about and whether or not you need to come in for a follow-up appointment.
What Will A Dentist do if I Have a Dry Socket?
Even if you have a dry socket, do not panic. In most cases, a dry socket will heal on its own within 24–72 hours. In some people, the pain may last up to 7 days. Thus, treatment for a dry socket will focus on reducing pain.
Dentists will most likely rinse out the socket with saline solution and pack it with medicated gauze to help with pain and promote healing. The gauze may need to be changed after a few days if the pain persists. Additionally, over-the-counter medications (such as aspirin, Advil/Motrin/ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID)) or prescription medicines if necessary are used to manage it.
In some cases, a dentist may also prescribe a short course of antibiotics if you have an infection.
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.
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