Whatever may be your reasons why you may need a tooth extraction, getting your tooth pulled is not a pleasant experience.
This is why you need to make sure that your healing process is on the right track.
For smokers or those who engage in regular tobacco use, healing after tooth removal can be tricky. Smoking after tooth extraction can lead to various complications so it is not recommended.
The Impact of Smoking on Healing After Tooth Extraction
Immediately after you get your tooth pulled, the body’s natural healing process begins. First, a blood clot forms in the empty site where a tooth has been removed. Then gum cells begin to regenerate.
Unfortunately, smoking slows the healing process. When you inhale smoke, a large amount of heat of the smoke and the chemicals are released in your mouth. These materials can be harmful to your oral health, especially after an invasive dental procedure such as oral surgery.
This is because regular smokers’ blood contains carbon monoxide which decreases levels of oxygen in the blood. This inhibits essential nutrients from accessing the healing tissues. That is why patients are asked to avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after tooth extraction.
Potential Risks of Smoking After Tooth Extraction
There is a close correlation between the healing after tooth extraction and smoking. Cigarette smoke causes the blood vessels to narrow. This leads to diminished blood supply to the healing tissues and as a result, delayed healing.
Due to the low blood supply coupled with harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke such as nicotine, the immune system is weakened. A weakened immune system means that it is unable to defend the body against harmful bacteria, putting you at risk of infections.
Impact of Smoking on Dry Socket Formation
Additionally, due to the sucking motion of cigarettes after getting your tooth extracted, it can dislodge a blood clot in the extraction site. This leaves the underlying bones and nerves prone to infection.
Improper oral hygiene at the site of extraction can cause you to develop a condition known as a dry socket. In this condition, you have intense pain or symptoms of dry socket such as dizziness and bad breath. Smoking increases your risk of dry socket development
Tips on how to quit smoking after a tooth extraction
It is important that you temporarily stop smoking after the tooth extraction procedure or stop smoking altogether. Get support from your loved ones or a professional to help you in the journey of quitting smoking.
- Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements by setting short-term goals and rewarding yourself when you reach them.
- Also, avoid using a straw to drink from as it can initiate bleeding from the extraction wound.
- Maintain proper oral hygiene at all times and visit your dentist regularly for a routine checkup.
Alternatives to smoking during recovery
Taking a break from smoking can be difficult. Here are some alternatives you can explore to rid yourself of this habit and maintain your sobriety:
- Replace the habit of smoking with healthy alternatives like chewing sugar-free gum or eating vegetables or fruits when you feel the urge to smoke.
- Consider nicotine replacement therapy with patches, gum, lozenges, or nasal sprays.
- Try breathing exercises or meditation to keep your stress at bay.
FAQs
How can I suppress the urge to smoke a cigarette during the healing period?
Following a tooth extraction, you can make use of relaxing exercises to help get your mind off of smoking for a few days. As it takes a few days for the site to heal, you should avoid smoking in the initial healing period.
How long after the tooth removal should I wait to smoke?
You should wait at least 72 hours after you have your tooth removed to smoke. It is okay to smoke after your extraction only if you get a 72-hour smoke-free period first to prevent getting a dry socket.
Conclusion
Discuss your smoking habit with your dentist or oral surgeon. If you need a tooth removed, you should consider giving up the habit of smoking to optimize your oral as well as overall health.
