Can I smoke after tooth extraction?
Smoking or using smokeless tobacco products can slow healing time after tooth extraction. Patients who can refrain from tobacco use for at least 72 hours after having a tooth extracted betters their chances of healing well and not developing an infection at the surgery site.
After having a tooth extracted, the open socket forms a blood clot to fill the space and helps protect the site from food particles and other foreign objects, keeping the underlying nerves and bone from becoming exposed. The sucking action of smoking a cigarette, and when using a straw, can actually cause the blood clot to become dislodged and leads to dry socket. Dry socket is an extremely painful condition in which the bone and nerves become exposed. Dry socket is characterized by pain radiating from your face up into your ears and it is important to see your surgeon for treatment. Unfortunately, the only treatment your oral surgeon can provide for dry socket is to irrigate the site and place a medicated bandage to protect the area from further damage. You may be prescribed an antibiotic and a mild pain reliever.
Additionally, particles from smokeless tobacco can become stuck in the site and cause an infection. The chemicals in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products contain toxins that can lead to inflammation and delay healing.
What can I expect after having a tooth extracted?
For the most part, patients are able to manage their pain with over-the-counter pain medications but if you’re experiencing discomfort that you cannot tolerate, call your oral surgeon for a follow-up appointment to be sure that there is no infection. Make sure that you do not take any medication that contains aspirin, this could promote bleeding and delay healing.
It is normal to experience some discomfort and swelling but that should all subside within 7 to 10 days. Having a tooth extracted is not painless but if you follow your surgeon's post-op instructions and allow your body to rest and heal, you can ensure that you experience as little pain as possible.
Oral Hygiene After Tooth Extraction
Your oral surgeon will provide a detailed list of instructions for home care after tooth extraction. You will be able to brush and floss as usual, taking care to avoid your extraction site until it is fully healed. You may also be advised to rinse with a warm saltwater solution, especially after eating, to clean the area of any food particles. Warm salt water can also help soothe the area and reduce swelling.
When performing your oral care routine, it is important to remember not to spit anything out but instead to allow saltwater and toothpaste rinsing to spill out of your mouth. The force it takes to spit water is much like the action of sucking through a straw or cigarette and can cause the protective blood clot to become dislodged.
For a few days following extraction, you may notice a pink tinge after brushing and rinsing but this is normal and will cease after a couple of days. If you notice any unusual bleeding and are experiencing an intolerable amount of discomfort, call your oral surgeon immediately.