Tooth extraction is a stressful situationeven if the operation is performed under the influence of pain relievers.
And heavy smokersafter the emotions felt, for sure, will reach for a cigarette, thus trying to relax a little.
This is how they think to relieve the pain that usually starts to build up as the anesthetic wears off.
And it's just not worth doing.Below in the article we will discuss whether it is possible to smoke after tooth extraction and why is it strictly prohibited to do so immediately after the procedure? We will give recommendations for different cases.
Effect of cigarette smoke and nicotine on recovery after tooth extraction
Keep in mind!The composition of cigarette smoke contains a large amount of chemical elements and compounds that harm the body as a whole and, at the same time, hamper the process of healing wounds.
Nicotine is a strong irritant to the edges of the socket left after the operation.
It constricts the blood vessels that carry blood to the wound.
The longer and harder the tobacco acts on the wound, the longer it will take to heal.
Smoking also negatively affects the process of blood clotting.
As a result, the wound remains open for a long time, constantly bleeds, so the risk of infection with various infections increases several times.
Inflammation is a consequence of infection in the wound cavity.
Its symptoms and signs: general malaise, headache, fever, redness of the gums, sharp pain.
How long is smoking prohibited?
Please note!Dentists recommend observing at least a minimum period of smoking cessation after tooth extraction - 2 to 3 hours.
After this time you can smoke, but only if the bleeding has stopped completely.
When can I smoke after a wisdom tooth extraction?
Extracting a wisdom tooth (figure eight) is a long and laborious process.
This tooth is characterized by a broad, overgrown, often curved root that may need to be removed in parts.
An extensive sore remains on the gum tissue after such an operation,on which dentists often suture and drain.
In addition, doctors often prescribe antibiotics to prevent inflammation.
Stay informed!When leaving the doctor's office, a smoker should definitely see a dentist to find out when to smoke the first cigarette and when to start eating.
The doctor's response will directly depend on the patient's state of health, the course of the operation, etc. As a rule, all recommendations are purely individual.
How long do I have to smoke after the stitches?
If, after the extraction, the doctor sutures, he may recommend taking the first puff no earlier than 2 to 10 days.
This time is necessary for complete healing of the wound and resorption of postoperative sutures.
If the recommended smoking break is not observed, postoperative complications may occur.
Even a single cigarette can delay healing.
How long can I smoke?The ideal option is not to go back to addiction for 2-10 days.
Hookah and electronic cigarettes
Hookah, like electronic cigarettes (vaping), is contraindicated in patients for at least 3 hours after surgery. The smoke or heated steam irritates the soft tissues and may cause the bleeding to recur.
What consequences can you face?
Each patient has the right to independently decide whether to smoke or not. But before taking the first puff, every smoker is advised to familiarize themselves with the possible consequences if the dentist's recommendations are not followed.
Most of them can cause serious health problems, and some can even be fatal.
There are 3 particularly dangerous complications for the smoker:
- Osteomyelitis.
Purulent inflammation of bone tissue as a result of infection. This disease is very serious and, if not properly treated, can lead to the death of the patient. - Alveolar osteitis(dry socket).
A condition where there is no blood clot in the pit, which is a natural barrier for infections to enter the pit. A blood clot can "come out" under the influence of nicotine, a hallmark of which is its ability to raise the blood pressure inside the vessels. - Dry socket.
Inflammation of the tooth socket and neighboring tissues after its removal. The area of the hole begins to hurt a lot, swells and becomes covered with a gray coating, the patient's temperature rises, the submandibular lymph nodes increase, food intake is impossible due to sharp pain.
What else is not recommended?
Need to know!After tooth extraction, several recommendations should be followed:
- Brush your teeth, rinse your mouth for 24 hoursafter the operation. Such events can cause the blood clot to “wash out”.
- Take a hot bath, visit baths, sauna.A high temperature can cause an increase in pressure and, as a result, re-bleeding.
- Charge yourself physically.Exercise can also trigger high blood pressure.
- Drinking alcoholI am another factor that can cause hypertensive crisis and therefore bleeding from a wound.
- Eat immediatelyafter extraction: it is best to wait 2 to 3 hours.
- It is forbidden that the dishes are hot, cold, which can damage the oral cavity. It is also better to refrain from spicy foods. Do not open your mouth wide after the suture: muscle tension can cause them to deviate.
- It is better not to drive a vehicle,as the pain relievers used during the extraction can make you drowsy.
Important! After tooth extraction, the patient can apply ice to the cheek for pain relief, take doctor-recommended pain relievers (except aspirin).
At the earliest in 20 minutes, it will be possible to remove the swab soaked in antiseptic, provided that the bleeding has stopped completely.
If the tampon stays in the wound longer, it can become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Also read articles which will help to study the problem in more detail,which will make prevention faster and better:
- how to get rid of cigarette smell from the mouth;
- toothpaste for smokers;
- language and smoking;
- smoking plaque on the teeth.
Notice
Here are some reviews. If you have something to say - leave your comments in the comments below the article, it will be useful to our readers.
I was tortured by a wisdom tooth: I was constantly sick, I started to collapse. My dentist recommended removal as the only option.
I immediately agreed: I'm tired of constantly drinking pain killers. The operation went well, but the stitches still had to be sewn.
But what was my surprise when the doctor mentioned smoking cessation! And I'm a heavy smoker, a cigarette helps with irritation, anger, even pain.
Why should I have resisted a drag right after leaving the hospital! But the will prevailed. The result is a successful healing process.
My tooth was pulled out. The doctor, giving postoperative recommendations, drew my attention to the fact that it is better to refrain from smoking for 2-3 hours.
I couldn't resist half an hour - I lit a cigarette: blood began to ooze from the wound almost immediately and did not stop.
I had to go to the doctor again for help. It's good that I went back to the hospital, because it could have ended much more sadly.
The dentist said there was a great risk of infection in the wound due to the nicotine eating at its edges and not allowing it to tighten.
Herbal infusion baths are able to alleviate the condition of the patient and speed up the healing process.
A bag of chamomile is poured with boiling water, infused for half an hour and cooled to room temperature. The infusion should be taken in the mouth and kept for about two minutes without rinsing.
No matter how bad your tobacco addiction, you should always use common sense.
The correct and only correct step is to follow all of the doctor's recommendations.
Otherwise, the careless patient will have to pay too high a price for disobedience - the price of his own health. Is the nicotine puff worth it?