Can I Smoke After a Tooth Extraction?

We’d like to tell you to not smoke at all, but we’ll focus on why you can’t smoke following a tooth extraction. First, let’s together understand exactly what an extraction is. Why it was necessary and the sensitive issues following the procedure while the extraction site heals.

A Few Common Reasons for a Tooth Extraction

The first and foremost reason is for the removal of wisdom teeth. This third set of molars doesn’t erupt in your mouth until you are between 16 and 25 years of age. So often times there is simply not enough room in your mouth for these additional teeth. Or, because you can’t reach them you don’t care for them properly and you get unwanted cavities. After the wisdom teeth a tooth extraction can result from any sort of infection or cavities that has gone beyond the point of saving the tooth. If you grind your teeth or clench your teeth you can cause cracking or chipping rendering the tooth susceptible to infection. Finally, if you are in an accident or even a harmful sporting event that went bad and broke a tooth that will need to be extracted. All of these are common reasons for an extraction.

Following the Procedure

Once the tooth is extracted there is literally a hole in your soft tissue. This hole will develop a blood clot and the clot is vital for the hole and the tissue to close and heal. So, you must wait at least 72 hours after a tooth extraction before you can smoke a cigarette. That is any kind of tooth extraction. First off, there are many, many harmful chemicals in the cigarette smoke that will impede the healing of extraction point. There are many small things you will be asked to do following an extraction. One attempt at inhaling a cigarette could ruin it all. You’ll be asked by your dentist to take it easy and relax for 24 to 48 hours with no physical activity to allow the blood clot to form. You will be advised to eat soft foods for a few days to avoid irritation of the site. You may need to sleep with your head elevated. You have to use a warm salt water rinse to advance the healing and be very careful with your twice a day brushing to avoid the extraction site. Much like the mechanics involved with a cigarette you cannot what so ever drink any fluid with a straw.

The Complications of Smoking

Like the effort involved with drinking through a straw, one inhalation of a cigarette can immediately dislocate and burst that blood clot, leading to a very painful dry socket. If this then is left untreated you could end up with a serious infection in your bone. All over a cigarette. So, if you wish to attempt to quit smoking then following a tooth extraction is a perfect time. Collaborating with your dentist will work in your favor because they will want that outcome for you as well.

More About Tooth Extraction : Emergency Tooth Extraction