Tooth extraction is a stressful situation, even if the operation is performed under the influence of pain medication.
And heavy smokerswill certainly grab a cigarette after the emotions they have experienced and try to relax a little.
This is how they think to relieve the pain that usually builds up when the anesthetic wears off.
And it's just not worth it.Below in the article we will address 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 make recommendations for different 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 damage the entire body and at the same time hinder the wound healing process.
Nicotine is a strong irritant for the edges of the socket that remain 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 has a negative effect on the process of blood clotting.
As a result, the wound remains open for a long time and bleeds constantly, which increases the risk of infection with various infections many times over.
Inflammation is a result of an infection in the wound cavity.
Its symptoms and signs: general malaise, headache, fever, reddened gums, acute pain.
How long is smoking prohibited?
Remarkable!Dentists recommend that you stop smoking for at least 2 to 3 hours after tooth extraction.
After this time you can smoke, but only if the bleeding has completely stopped.
When can I smoke after the wisdom tooth extraction?
Extracting a wisdom tooth (Figure 8) is a long and painstaking process.
This tooth is characterized by a broad, overgrown root that is often curved and sometimes has to be partially removed.
After such an operation, an extensive wound remains on the gums,which dentists often sew and drain.
Also, doctors often prescribe antibiotics to help prevent inflammation.
Stay up to date!When a smoker leaves the doctor's office, it is important to consult with a dentist about when to smoke their first cigarette and start eating.
The doctor's answer depends 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 stings?
If the doctor sews after the extraction, he may recommend that you do the first pull no earlier than in 2 - 10 days.
This time is required for complete wound healing and resorption of postoperative sutures.
Failure to comply with the recommended smoking break can result in postoperative complications.
Even a single cigarette can delay wound healing.
How long can I smoke?The ideal option is not to return to the addiction for 2 to 10 days.
Water pipe and e-cigarettes
Shisha, like electronic cigarettes (vaping), is contraindicated in patients at least 3 hours after the operation. Heated smoke or steam irritates the soft tissue and can cause rebleeding.
What consequences can you have?
Every patient has the right to decide independently whether he smokes or not. Before taking the first puff, however, it is advisable that every smoker familiarize themselves with the possible consequences of not following the dentist's recommendations.
Most of them can lead to serious health problems, and some can even be fatal.
There are 3 complications that are particularly dangerous for smokers:
- Osteomyelitis.
Purulent inflammation of the bone tissue as a result of an infection. This disease is very serious and, if not properly treated, can lead to the death of the patient. - Alveolar osteitis(drying pan).
A condition in which there is no blood clot in the fossa, which is a natural barrier to infection from entering the hole. A blood clot can "pop out" under the influence of nicotine. A feature of this is its ability to increase blood pressure in the vessels. - alveolitis.
Inflammation of the tooth socket and nearby tissue 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?
You have to know!After tooth extraction, various recommendations should be followed:
- Brush your teeth and rinse your mouth for 24 hours after the operation.Such events can provoke the "washing out" of the blood clot.
- Take a hot bath, visit a bathhouse, a sauna.A high temperature can lead to an increase in pressure and thus to renewed bleeding.
- Load yourself physically.Exercise can also trigger high blood pressure.
- Drinking alcoholI am another factor that can cause an attack of high blood pressure and, as a result, bleeding from a wound.
- Eat immediately after the extraction: It is best to wait 2 to 3 hours.
- It is forbidden that the dishes are hot and cold, which can injure the oral cavity. It is also better to avoid spicy food. Do not open your mouth wide after sewing: muscle tension can lead to inconsistencies.
- It is better not to drive a vehicle,as the pain relievers used during the extraction can make you sleepy.
Important! After the tooth is extracted, the patient can apply ice to the cheek to relieve pain. Take the pain relievers recommended by your doctor (except aspirin).
The tampon soaked with antiseptic can be removed in 20 minutes at the latest, provided the bleeding has completely stopped.
If the tampon stays in the wound longer, it can become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Also read articles to help you investigate the problem in more detail.that make prevention faster and better:
- how to get rid of the smell of cigarettes from your mouth;
- toothpaste for smokers;
- language and smoking;
- fuming 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 and began to break down. My dentist recommended removal as the only option.
I immediately agreed: I'm sick 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 smoking cessation! And I'm a heavy smoker, having a cigarette helps deal with irritation, anger, and even pain.
Why should I have resisted any resistance right after leaving the hospital? But the willpower prevailed. The result is a successful healing process.
My tooth was pulled out. The doctor who gave postoperative recommendations made me aware that it is better to stop smoking for 2 to 3 hours.
I couldn't even resist for half an hour - I lit a cigarette: the blood began to ooze from the wound almost immediately and didn't stop.
I had to go to the doctor again for help. It is good that I returned to the hospital because everything could have ended much sadder.
The dentist said there is a great risk of infection to the wound as nicotine eats at the edges and does not allow it to contract.
Herbal infusion baths can alleviate the patient's condition and speed up the healing process.
A bag of chamomile is poured with boiling water, poured into it for half an hour and allowed to cool to room temperature. The infusion should be placed in the mouth and held for about two minutes without rinsing.
No matter how badly your addiction to smoking is, you should still use common sense.
The correct and only correct step is to follow all of the doctor's recommendations.
Otherwise the negligent patient will have to pay too high a price for disobedience - the price for his own health. Is the nicotine rush worth it?