Tooth extraction is a stressful situationeven if the operation is performed under the influence of pain medication.
And heavy smokersafter the emotions experienced will certainly reach for a cigarette, thus trying to relax a bit.
Here's how they plan to relieve the pain that usually begins to build up as the anesthetic wears off.
And it's just not worth doing.Below in the article we will deal with the question of whether it is possible to smoke after tooth extraction and why it is strictly forbidden 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 damage the body as a whole and at the same time hinder the wound healing process.
Nicotine is a strong irritant to the ends of the nest left after surgery.
It constricts the blood vessels that carry blood to the wound.
The longer and stronger the tobacco acts on the wound, the longer it will take to heal.
Smoking also has a negative effect on the blood clotting process.
As a result, the wound remains open for a long time, constantly bleeding, as a result of which the risk of infection with various infections increases several times.
The inflammation is a consequence of an infection in the wound cavity.
Its symptoms and signs: general malaise, headache, fever, redness of the gums, sharp pain in it.
How long has smoking been banned?
Worth noting!Dentists recommend observing at least a minimum period of smoking cessation after tooth extraction - 2-3 hours.
You can smoke after this time, but only if the bleeding has stopped completely.
When can I smoke after wisdom tooth extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction (figure eight) is a long and difficult process.
This tooth is characterized by a broad, overgrown root, often curved, which sometimes needs to be removed in parts.
After such a gum operation, a large wound remains,, on which dentists often suture and drain.
Also, doctors often prescribe antibiotics to prevent inflammation.
Stay informed!When leaving the doctor's office, the smoker should definitely consult a dentist about when to smoke the first cigarette and start eating.
The doctor's answer will depend directly on the patient's health, the course of the operation, etc. As a rule, all recommendations are purely individual.
How long should I smoke after stitches?
If the doctor sutures after the extraction, he may recommend that the first inhalation be given no earlier than 2 to 10 days.
This time is required for complete wound healing and resorption of postoperative sutures.
Postoperative complications may develop if the recommended smoking break is not followed.
Even a cigarette can slow wound healing.
How long can I smoke?The ideal option is not to return to addiction for 2 to 10 days.
Hookah and e-cigarettes
The hookah, like vaping, is contraindicated in patients at least 3 hours after surgery. Heated smoke or steam irritates soft tissues and can lead to recurrence of bleeding.
What are the consequences you may face?
Each patient has the right to decide for themselves whether to smoke or not. But before you take your first breath, it is recommended that every smoker be aware of the consequences that are possible if the dentist's recommendations are not followed.
Most of them can lead to serious health problems, and some can even be fatal.
There are 3 complications, especially dangerous for the smoker:
- Osteomyelitis.
Purulent inflammation of the bone tissue as a result of infection. This disease is very serious and if not treated properly can lead to the death of the patient. - Alveolar osteitis(dry nest).
A condition where there is no blood clot in the well, which is a natural barrier to infection in the hole. A blood clot can "pop out" under the influence of nicotine, which is characterized by its ability to raise blood pressure inside blood vessels. - Alveolitis.
Inflammation of the tooth socket and nearby tissues after 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 acute pain.
What else is not recommended?
You need to know!After tooth extraction, a few recommendations should be followed:
- Brush your teeth, rinse your mouth for 24 hoursafter surgery. Such events can provoke the "washing" of the blood clot.
- Take a hot tub, visit the bath, sauna.The high temperature can cause the pressure to rise and result in new bleeding.
- Load up physically.Exercise can also cause hypertension.
- Drinking alcoholI am another factor that can cause an attack of hypertension and as a result of bleeding from a wound.
- Eat immediatelyafter extraction: it is best to wait 2-3 hours.
- It is forbidden for the dishes to be hot, cold, which can injure the oral cavity. It is also better to refrain from spicy foods. Do not open your mouth wide after suturing: muscle tension can provoke discrepancies.
- It's better not to drive,, because the painkillers used during the extraction can make you drowsy.
Important! After tooth extraction, the patient can apply ice to the cheek to relieve pain, take painkillers recommended by the doctor (except aspirin).
It will be possible to remove the antiseptic swab no earlier than 20 minutes, provided that the bleeding has stopped completely.
If the swab stays in the wound longer, it can become an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply.
Also read articles that will help you explore the problem in more detail,, which will make prevention faster and better:
- how to get rid of the smell of cigarettes from the mouth;
- toothpaste for smokers;
- language and smoking;
- plaque for smoking teeth.
Reviews
Below are some reviews. If you have something to say - leave your feedback in the comments below the article, it will be useful for our readers.
I was tormented by a wisdom tooth: I was constantly sick, I began to collapse. My dentist recommended removal as the only option.
I agreed right away: I'm tired of drinking painkillers all the time. The operation went well, but the stitches still had to be sewn.
But what was my surprise when the doctor mentioned the cessation of smoking! And I am an avid smoker, the cigarette helps to deal with irritation, anger, even pain.
Why did I have to resist dragging right after leaving the hospital! But the will prevailed. The result is a successful healing process.
My tooth was extracted. 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 even half an hour - I lit a cigarette: the blood started flowing from the wound almost immediately and didn't stop.
I had to go to the doctor again for help. Good thing I went back to the hospital, because it could have ended much sadder.
The dentist said there was a high risk of infection in the wound due to the fact that nicotine corroded its edges and prevented it from tightening.
Herbal baths are able to alleviate the patient's condition 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 orally and kept for about two minutes without rinsing.
No matter how strong your smoking addiction is, you still need to use common sense.
The correct and only correct step is to follow all 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 Nicotine Swelling Worth It?