Smoking After Tooth Extraction

As with any procedure, aftercare is an extremely important aspect. It’s necessary to follow the instructions of your dentist after a procedure to ensure your oral health, and that the area heals properly. One aspect of recovery is smoking. Many patients ask, “Can I smoke after tooth extraction?” While you will eventually be able to smoke again, smoking immediately after an extraction is not a good idea. To understand more about why you should not smoke after tooth extraction, it’s important to understand more about what an extraction is, and aftercare for a tooth extraction.

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

There are times in which a tooth has sustained damage, decay or infection that is bad enough that a tooth will need to be extracted. This involves a dentist pulling the tooth using a special instrument. There are other times in which teeth need to be extracted for preventative reasons. This is generally the case with wisdom teeth, which require an extraction that often involves surgery.

What Are the Reasons for a Tooth Extraction?

If a dentist extracts a tooth or teeth, it is because the tooth or teeth really needed to be extracted. A dentist will do everything they can to ensure that their patients are able to keep their natural teeth (with an exception being the wisdom teeth of patients). Still, there are times in which a patient’s teeth are too damaged to save. This may be due to some form of impact or accident, or it may be due to poor oral health. Whatever the case may be, if a dentist is not able to save a tooth, they will extract the tooth to ensure a patient’s overall oral health.

Aftercare

It is important to take good care of your teeth and gums after a tooth extraction. You may also need to be extra vigilant when it comes to the removal of wisdom teeth, as this process often involves surgery. Your dentist may provide you with gauze in order to soak up the blood. They will also suggest that you do not drink through a straw, stick to soft foods and avoid extremely hot foods for a certain amount of time after the extraction.

Smoking Afterwards?

A common question for smokers is when they can smoke after tooth extraction. The answer is: not for at least 72 hours. Your particular dentist may have other recommendations, depending on the severity of your procedure. Still, 72 hours is the minimum after a tooth extraction. You need to allow blood clots to form in order to properly heal after your extraction. Smoking can interfere with the formation of blood clots. Smoking can also lead to a dry socket. Because of these reasons and more, you’ll want to make sure you take a few days to heal before you smoke again.

Speak with Your Dentist

If you have any further questions about when you’ll be able to smoke after an extraction, speak with your dentist. They will be able to answer all of your aftercare questions.

If you're in need of tooth extraction and live or around the Lynnwood, WA area, contact Meadowdale Dental Clinic Today!

Interested in learning more about tooth extraction? Here's information on whether or not you need an emergency tooth extraction.