Tooth extraction is a stressful situationeven if the operation is performed under the influence of painkillers.
And chain smokersafter the emotions experienced, sure, they will look for a cigarette, trying to relax a little.
This is how they think to relieve pain that usually starts to build up as the effect of the anesthesia wears off.
And this is just not worth doing.Next, in the article, we will discuss 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 give recommendations for various cases.
Effect of cigarette smoke and nicotine on recovery after tooth extraction
Please note!The composition of cigarette smoke contains a large number of elements and chemical compounds that damage 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 cavity that remain after the operation.
Contract 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, constantly bleeds, so the risk of infection with various infections increases several times.
The inflammation is the result of an infection in the wound cavity.
Your symptoms and signs: general malaise, headache, fever, redness of the gums, acute pain in the same.
How long is smoking prohibited?
Worth noting!Dentists recommend observing at least a minimum period to stop smoking after tooth extraction: 2 to 3 hours.
After this time, you can smoke, but only if the bleeding has stopped completely.
When can I smoke after my 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 overgrown root, often curved, which sometimes has to be extracted in parts.
An extensive wound remains on the gum after such an operation, in which dentists usually suture and drain.
Also, doctors often prescribe antibiotics to prevent inflammation.
Stay informed!When leaving the doctor's office, a smoker should definitely consult with a dentist about when to smoke the first cigarette and start eating.
The doctor's response will depend directly on the patient's health status, the course of the operation, etc. As a general rule, all recommendations are purely individual.
How long should I smoke after stitching?
If, after the extraction, the doctor sutures, he may recommend taking the first puff no earlier than 2 to 10 days.
This time is necessary for complete wound healing and resorption of postoperative sutures.
In case of non-compliance with the recommended smoking break, postoperative complications may develop.
Even a single cigarette can delay wound healing.
How long can I smoke?The ideal option is not to return to addiction for 2 to 10 days.
Hookah and electronic cigarettes
Hookah, like electronic cigarettes (vaping), is contraindicated in patients for at least 3 hours after surgery. Hot smoke or steam irritates soft tissues and can cause bleeding to come back.
What consequences can you face?
Each patient has the right to independently decide whether to smoke or not. But before taking the first puff, it is recommended that all smokers familiarize themselves with the consequences that are possible 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 especially dangerous complications for the smoker:
- Osteomyelitis.
Purulent inflammation of bone tissue as a result of infection. This disease is very serious and, if not treated properly, it can lead to the death of the patient. - Alveolar osteitis(dry socket).
A condition in which there are no blood clots in the fossa, which is a natural barrier for infection to enter the hole. A blood clot can "pop out" under the influence of nicotine, one characteristic of which is its ability to increase blood pressure within the vessels. - Alveolitis.
Inflammation of the tooth cavity and nearby tissues after its extraction. The hole area 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?
I need to know!After tooth extraction, several recommendations should be followed:
- Brush your teeth, rinse your mouth for 24 hoursafter the operation. Such events can cause the blood clot to "wash out".
- Take a hot bath, visit a bathhouse, a sauna.High temperature can cause increased pressure and, as a result, renewed bleeding.
- Please physically upload yourself.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 the extraction - it is better to wait 2 to 3 hours.
- It is forbidden that dishes are hot, cold, which can damage 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 best not to drive a vehicle,because the pain relievers used during the extraction may make you drowsy.
Important! After tooth extraction, the patient can apply ice to the cheek to relieve pain, take pain relievers recommended by the doctor (except aspirin).
No earlier than 20 minutes it will be possible to remove the tampon soaked in antiseptic, provided that the bleeding has completely stopped.
If the tampon remains in the wound longer, it can become an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Also read the articles that will help to study the problem in more detail,that will make prevention faster and better:
- how to get rid of cigarette smell from mouth;
- Toothpaste for smokers;
- language and smoking;
- smoking plaque on the teeth.
Reviews
Here are some reviews. If you have something to say, leave your comments in the comments below the article, it will be useful for our readers.
I was tortured by a wisdom tooth: I was constantly ill, I began to collapse. My dentist recommended extraction as the only option.
I agreed immediately - I'm 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 quit smoking! And I'm a heavy smoker, a cigarette helps to cope 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.
I got a tooth pulled. The doctor, giving postoperative recommendations, drew my attention to the fact that it is better to refrain from smoking for 2-3 hours.
I couldn't resist even half an hour, I lit a cigarette: blood began to gush out of the wound almost immediately and didn't stop.
I had to go to the doctor again for help. It's good that I went back to the hospital, because everything could have ended much sadder.
The dentist said that there are great risks of infection in the wound because the nicotine corrodes the edges and does not allow it to squeeze.
Herbal infusion baths are able to alleviate the patient's condition and speed up the healing process.
A bag of chamomile is poured with boiling water, infused for half an hour and cooled to room temperature. The infusion should be taken to the mouth and held for about two minutes without rinsing.
No matter how strong your addiction to smoking is, you must use common sense.
The only correct and correct step is to follow all the doctor's recommendations.
Otherwise, the negligent patient will have to pay too high a price for disobedience: the price of her own health. Is the nicotine puff worth it?