Tooth extraction is a stressful situation, even if the operation is performed under the influence of pain relievers.
And heavy smokersafter experiencing the emotions, they will certainly get a cigarette, trying to relax a little.
This is how they think to relieve the pain that usually begins to increase as the anesthetic passes.
And that is not worth doing.Next, in the article, we will address the question of whether it is possible to smoke after tooth extraction and why it is strictly prohibited to do so immediately after the procedure? We will make recommendations for several cases.
Effect of cigarette smoke 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 that remain after the operation.
It constricts 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, bleeds constantly, and therefore the risk of infection with various infections increases several times.
Inflammation is a consequence of infection in the wound cavity.
Your symptoms and signs: malaise, headache, fever, red gums, sharp pain.
How long is smoking prohibited?
It's worth noting!Dentists recommend observing at least a minimum smoking cessation period after tooth extraction - 2 to 3 hours.
After this time, you can smoke, but only if the bleeding stops completely.
When can I smoke after wisdom tooth extraction?
The extraction of a wisdom tooth (figure eight) is a long and laborious process.
This tooth is characterized by a wide and grown root, usually curved, which sometimes needs to be removed in parts.
An extensive wound remains on the gum after such an operation,in which dentists frequently suture and drain.
In addition, doctors often prescribe antibiotics to prevent inflammation.
Stay informed!When leaving a doctor's office, a smoker should definitely consult a dentist about when to smoke their first cigarette and start eating.
The doctor's response will depend directly 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 doctor sutures, he may recommend that the first puff not be before 2 to 10 days.
This time is necessary for the complete healing of the wound and resorption of the postoperative sutures.
In case of non-compliance with the smoking cessation recommendation, postoperative complications may occur.
Even a single cigarette can delay wound healing.
How long can I smoke?The ideal is not to return to addiction for 2 to 10 days.
Hookah and electronic cigarettes
The hookah, like electronic cigarettes (vaping), is contraindicated in patients for at least 3 hours after surgery. Heated smoke or steam irritates soft tissues and can cause bleeding to recur.
What consequences can you face?
Each patient has the right to decide regardless of whether he smokes or not. But before taking the first drag, it is advisable that every smoker knows the consequences that can occur 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 especially dangerous for smokers:
- Osteomyelitis.
Purulent inflammation of bone tissue as a result of infection. This disease is very serious and, if not treated properly, can lead to the patient's death. - Alveolar osteitis(dry socket).
Condition in which there is no blood clot in the fossa, which is a natural barrier for infections to enter the orifice. A blood clot can "jump" under the influence of nicotine, a characteristic of which is its ability to increase blood pressure within the vessels. - Alveolite.
Inflammation of the tooth cavity and surrounding tissues after removal. The area of the hole starts to hurt a lot, swells and is covered with a gray layer, 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, several recommendations must be followed:
- Brush your teeth, rinse your mouth for 24 hoursafter the operation. These events can cause the blood clot to "flush".
- Take a hot shower, visit a bathhouse, a sauna.A high temperature can cause an increase in pressure and, as a result, further bleeding.
- Charge yourself physically.Exercise can also trigger hypertension.
- Drinking alcoholI am another factor that can cause an attack of hypertension and, as a result, bleeding from a wound.
- Eat immediatelyafter extraction: it is best to wait 2 to 3 hours.
- It is forbidden for the dishes to be hot, cold, which can cause lesions in the oral cavity. It is also better to refrain from spicy foods. Do not open your mouth wide after suturing: muscle tension can cause your discrepancies.
- It is better not to drive a vehicle,because the painkillers used during extraction can make you drowsy.
Important! After tooth extraction, the patient can apply ice on the cheek to relieve pain, take analgesics recommended by the doctor (except aspirin).
Not earlier than 20 minutes, it will be possible to remove the tampon soaked in antiseptic, as long as the bleeding has stopped completely.
If the tampon remains in the wound any longer, it can become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Also read articles that will help study the problem in more detail,which will make prevention faster and better:
- how to get rid of the cigarette smell in your mouth;
- toothpaste for smokers;
- language and smoking;
- steaming plaque on the teeth.
Reviews
Below are some comments. If you have anything to say - leave your feedback in the comments below the article, it will be helpful to our readers.
I was tortured by a wisdom tooth: I was constantly sick, I started to pass out. My dentist recommended removal as the only option.
I immediately agreed: I am tired of constantly drinking painkillers. The operation went well, but the stitches still had to be sewn.
But what was my surprise when the doctor mentioned to stop smoking! And I am a heavy smoker, a cigarette helps to deal with irritation, anger and even pain.
Why should I have resisted a drag right after leaving the hospital! But willpower prevailed. The result is a successful healing process.
My tooth has been pulled out. The doctor, making post-operative recommendations, called my attention to the fact that it is better not to smoke for 2 to 3 hours.
I couldn't resist for half an hour - I lit a cigarette: blood started to drain from the wound almost immediately and it didn't stop.
I had to go to the doctor again for help. It is good to have returned to the hospital, because everything could have ended much sadder.
The dentist said that there are great risks of infection in the wound because nicotine corrodes its edges and does not allow it to tighten.
Herbal infusion baths are able to relieve the patient's condition and accelerate the healing process.
A bag of chamomile is poured into boiling water, infused for half an hour and cooled to room temperature. The infusion should be administered to the mouth and maintained for about two minutes without rinsing.
No matter how strong your smoking habit is, you should still use common sense.
The only correct step is to follow all the doctor's recommendations.
Otherwise, the negligent patient will have to pay a very high price for disobedience - the price of his own health. Is nicotine inhalation worth it?