Why Smoking Should Be Avoided After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Most people have experienced oral surgery at some point in their lives. One common oral surgery is getting the wisdom teeth extracted sometime in their teen years or early twenties. After the surgery, it may take several days for the wound to heal, with some factors such as lifestyle and general health affecting this healing period. Typically, oral surgeons or dentists offer the patients with recommendations as to how to handle the recovery period. And one of the most common ways to have a smooth recovery is to avoid smoking.
Smoking can be a quite challenging habit to break. The nicotine and routine can be an intense craving for a person who has been doing it for the better part of their lives. Even a causal smoker may find it difficult to abstain from smoking for a certain period. It is important to avoid smoking for at least a week or two after having your wisdom tooth extracted. This also applies to those who use smoking devices such as vaporizers. Smoking can lead to numerous oral complications and here are more reasons why smoking after a wisdom tooth extraction is a bad idea.
- Smoking Slows Down the Healing Process
After a wisdom tooth has been extracted, an empty socket is left where the tooth once sat. The extraction site needs to heal. However, when you smoke, it could tamper with the speed at which the wound is healing.
- Damage to Blood Clotting
The empty gap left after wisdom tooth extraction requires a process of blood clot formation for proper healing. Blood clotting helps to stop excessive bleeding and initiate the recovery process. After a clot has formed on the wound, it is advisable to take extra cautions to ensure that the clot is not dislodged. Smoking is a hazardous habit that can dislodge the blood clot.
- Increases Risks of having a Dry Socket
Smoking can significantly increase the risks of having a dry socket during the healing period. A dry socket causes excruciating pain, and in addition, you will need some other dental visits to fix it. It is never something that you would want to deal with right after your wisdom tooth extraction. However, if you continue to smoke, then this becomes a possibility.
- Risks of Infections
You may end up dealing with nasty infections if you decide to ignore your dentist orders and carry on smoking after your wisdom tooth extraction. If your wound becomes infected, you may develop a high fever or experience gum inflammation and severe pain that does not go away. Also, you may notice a yellow or white discharge from your infected wound site.
Bottom Line
The numerous effects of smoking on oral health should be enough motivation to quit the habit. However, wisdom tooth extraction offers a convenient way to start your journey. Avoiding smoking for at least a week after the surgery is crucial for the recovery process and this amount of time can set you into a quitting motion. If you smoke and you are worried about your oral health, do not hesitate to contact our dentists at Carrum Downs Dental Group. Our main aim is to keep your mouth healthy and offer you that much needed support if you want to quit this habit for good.
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