The Risks of Smoking After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

After individuals have had their wisdom teeth pulled, the aftercare is the most important part. Some extractions may heal quickly without any trouble while others may experience a little more discomfort from the process. Having wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure, and each case may vary regarding recovery.

Being cautious during the recovery process allows individuals to avoid complications like dry sockets and other risks. Caution is especially imperative when it comes to smoking, a habit with an already high number of risks but even more so after wisdom teeth extraction.

Using tobacco products after a wisdom teeth removal can put someone at risk for infection and even prolong his or her recovery time. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), smoking after receiving oral surgery can increase the risk of a dry socket. Smoking may also reduce blood supply and cause even more nerve pain in the long run.

Tobacco products are harmful in general, but direct contact to the extraction site can further delay healing. The physical pulling from breathing in smoke can even remove blood clots and dry out the sockets. If a dry socket is left untreated, the area can become infected and spread down to the bone.

Recovery time usually lasts between three to four days or up to a week. To avoid further complications, smoking cessation may be essential and a better idea in the long run. Admittedly, this may be challenging for regular smokers.

The addictive habit of using tobacco products may derive from an oral fixation. To help smokers cope after a wisdom teeth extraction, they could try chewing on gauze pads to help add pressure to the wound and ensure less bleeding. Just remember to change them often to avoid infections.

If smokers are still having trouble fighting cravings, they should eat something. A post-extraction diet is often reduced to liquids and soft foods, and eating or drinking can help prevent old habits from arising for a moment. If all else fails, just rest.

The stress may be a trigger for most smokers, and getting an adequate amount of rest can be the cure all for the week. These alternatives may seem absurd, but the key to smoking cessation is often distraction. Practicing these distractions can help put the mind at ease and reduce cravings.

Smokers tend to have trouble filling extractions with the proper amount of blood due to the effects of tobacco and smoking. The Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (JKAOMS) mentions that the reduced blood supply from smoking provokes the alveolar nerve, which increases pain after extractions. The sooner you quit, the quicker you can recover, which means fewer checkups and more freedom to return to regular routines.

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