Consequences after Wisdom Teeth Removal
Consequences after Wisdom Teeth Removal
Smoking and vaping too soon after oral surgery can have serious repercussions. Potential consequences include:
- Dry Socket – Up to 30% chance of developing this excruciating complication if smoking after surgery. Requires multiple follow-up visits to manage pain.
- Infection – Often requires antibiotics or surgical drainage of abscesses. Potentially life-threatening systemic infection.
- Bleeding – Cigarettes can disrupt clot formation leading to postoperative bleeding that may require emergency care.
- Nerve Injury – Heat and toxins can damage nerves leading to permanent lip, tongue, or chin numbness.
- Impaired Healing – Greatly delayed wound closure, increased scarring, dehiscence (reopening).
- Failure of Implants or Grafts – Smoking impedes integration and survival of any bone or tissue grafting done.
- Additional Procedures – Poor healing may necessitate re-operating or debridement procedures to clean infected sites.
- Increased Costs – Follow-up visits, medications, additional procedures significantly raise costs.
Avoiding smoking and vaping after surgery is imperative for quick, complication-free recovery from wisdom tooth extraction.
FAQs
How soon after wisdom teeth removal can I smoke?
Consequences after Wisdom Teeth Removal
It is best to avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after having your wisdom teeth taken out. Many oral surgeons recommend waiting 1-2 weeks if possible. Smoking too soon greatly raises your risk of developing dry socket and other complications. Consequences after Wisdom Teeth Removal
Can I vape after my wisdom teeth are removed?
No, vaping should also be avoided for at least 72 hours after wisdom tooth removal and ideally 1-2 weeks. Vaping can dislodge blood clots, introduce bacteria, and impair healing similar to smoking. The heat and chemicals can damage the surgical site.
What happens if I smoke after wisdom tooth extraction?
Smoking after surgery significantly raises your chances of developing dry socket, infection, and other complications. It can lead to severe pain, bleeding, nerve injury, graft failure, and additional procedures. Smoking impedes the body’s natural healing abilities. Consequences after Wisdom Teeth Removal
How can I manage cravings after wisdom tooth removal?
Use nicotine patches and oral substitutes, avoid triggers, practice deep breathing, drink water, use ice packs, get support from others, remind yourself why you are abstaining, and distract yourself with smoke-free activities. Have a plan in place before surgery.
When can I smoke again after wisdom tooth extraction?
Most oral surgeons recommend waiting at least 72 hours, but 1-2 weeks is better. For more complicated surgeries like full bony impactions, you may need to refrain for 4-6 weeks until sites are fully closed. Ask your surgeon about an appropriate timeframe.
Is vaping safer than smoking after oral surgery?
No, vaping can also significantly disrupt healing after wisdom tooth removal. The heat, dehydration, and chemicals pose many of the same risks as smoking, like dry socket, infection, and damage to surgical sites. It is best to avoid both smoking and vaping.