Tooth extraction is a stressful situationeven if the operation is performed under the influence of pain medication.
And heavy smokersafter the emotions felt, for sure, they will take a cigarette, thus trying to relax a bit.
This is how they think they are relieving the pain that usually begins to build up when the anesthetic wears off.
And it's 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 is it strictly forbidden to do so immediately after the procedure? We will make recommendations for various cases.
Effect of cigarette smoking and nicotine on recovery after tooth extraction
Remember!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, hinder the wound healing process.
Nicotine is a strong irritant to the edges of the socket left after the operation.
It narrows the blood vessels that carry blood to the wound.
The longer and more violently the tobacco acts on the wound, the longer it will take to heal.
Smoking also negatively affects the blood clotting process.
As a result, the wound remains open for a long time, constantly bleeds, as a result of which 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, acute pain.
How long is smoking prohibited?
It is worth noting!Dentists recommend observing at least a minimum period for quitting smoking after tooth extraction - 2 - 3 hours.
After this time you can smoke, but only if the bleeding has completely stopped.
When can I smoke after wisdom tooth extraction?
The extraction of a wisdom tooth (figure eight) is a long and painstaking process.
This tooth is characterized by a broad, overgrown root, often curved, which sometimes has to be partially removed.
After this operation there is an extensive wound on the gum,on which dentists often suture and drain.
Also, doctors often prescribe antibiotics to prevent inflammation.
Stay informed!When leaving the doctor's office, a smoker should definitely consult a dentist to find out when to smoke their first cigarette and 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 should I smoke after the stitches?
If, after the extraction, the suture doctor may advise to take the first puff no earlier than 2 - 10 days.
This time is required for complete wound healing and resorption of postoperative sutures.
In case of non-compliance with the recommended suspension in smoking, postoperative complications may develop.
Even one cigarette can delay wound healing.
How long can I smoke?The ideal option is not to go back to addiction for 2 to 10 days.
Hookahs and electronic cigarettes
Hookah, like electronic cigarettes (vaping), is contraindicated in patients for at least 3 hours after surgery. Heated smoke or steam irritates the soft tissue and can cause the bleeding to recur.
What consequences can you face?
Each patient has the right to decide for himself whether to smoke or not. But before taking the first puff, it is recommended that every smoker familiarize himself with 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 that are particularly dangerous for the smoker:
- Osteomyelitis.
Purulent inflammation of the bone tissue following infection. This disease is very serious and, if not properly treated, can lead to the death of the patient. - Alveolar osteitis(dry alveolus).
A condition where there is no blood clot in the pit, which is a natural barrier for infection to enter the hole. A blood clot can "leak" under the influence of nicotine, a characteristic of which is its ability to increase blood pressure within the vessels. - Alveolitis.
Inflammation of the tooth socket and nearby 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 acute pain.
What else is not recommended?
Need to know!After tooth extraction, you need to follow several tips:
- Brush your teeth, rinse your mouth for 24 hoursafter the operation. Such events can cause the blood clot to "flush".
- Take a hot bath, visit a bathhouse, a sauna.A high temperature can cause an increase in blood pressure and, consequently, new bleeding.
- Charge yourself physically.Exercise can also trigger hypertension.
- Drinking alcoholThey are another factor that can cause an attack of hypertension and, consequently, 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 damage the oral cavity. It is also better to refrain from spicy foods. Do not open the mouth completely after suturing - muscle tension can provoke their discrepancies.
- It is better not to drive a vehicle,because the painkillers used during the extraction can cause drowsiness.
Important! After tooth extraction, the patient can apply ice to the cheek to relieve pain, take painkillers recommended by the doctor (except aspirin).
No earlier than 20 minutes it will be possible to remove the antiseptic pad, provided that the bleeding has completely stopped.
If the swab stays in the wound longer, it can become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Also read articles that will help to study the problem in more detail,that will make prevention faster and better:
- how to get rid of the smell of cigarettes from the mouth;
- toothpaste for smokers;
- language and smoke;
- smoking plaque on the 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 to our readers.
I was tortured by a wisdom tooth: I was constantly sick, I began to collapse. My dentist recommended removal as the only option.
I accepted immediately: I am tired of constantly drinking painkillers. The operation went well, but the stitches still needed to be sewn.
But what was my surprise when the doctor talked about quitting smoking! And I am a heavy smoker, a cigarette helps to cope with irritation, anger, even pain.
Because I would have to resist resistance right after I left the hospital! But willpower prevailed. The result is a successful healing process.
My tooth has been 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 pouring from the wound almost immediately and it didn't stop.
I had to go to the doctor again for help. It's good that he went back to the hospital, because everything could have ended much sadder.
The dentist said there are great risks of infection in the wound due to the fact that nicotine consumes its edges and does not allow it to tighten.
Herbal infusion baths are able to alleviate the patient's condition and accelerate 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 strong your smoking addiction is, you should still use common sense.
The only and correct step is to follow all the doctor's recommendations.
Otherwise, the negligent patient will have to pay too high a price for disobedience: the price of his own health. Is the nicotine puff worth it?