Tooth extractions refers to any treatment in which damaged or infected teeth are extracted in order to stop further gum disease or spread of infections to nearby teeth. Extractions typically take place as an emergency measure in order to preserve gum health or avoid spreading an infection further into surrounding tooth structures.
Imagine this: After going through an extraction procedure, do you know the post-procedure steps necessary for optimal healing? Most experts advise against cleaning your teeth immediately afterwards as a form of post-extraction care – yet your physician might suggest stopping smoking too; you must now be wondering why!
This article presents reasons as to why smoking post tooth extractions is not advised.
The Dangers of Smoking After Tooth Extractions
Following tooth extractions, surrounding tissues require time to recover, which means blood clots may form around affected gums as part of a natural protective mechanism in order to stop excess bleeding and block sites that allow microbe entry. Smoking cigarettes disrupts this natural healing process and delays recovery time significantly.
Smoking cigarettes disrupts the healing process for two reasons. First, its heat dissolving healing plugs around an affected tooth allows bacteria to invade more freely into affected gum areas resulting in infection spreading more easily than expected. Smoking also has been shown to weaken immunity systems leading to infections within these vulnerable regions as well as weaken immune response against invasion by microbes; both factors increase chances of infections following tooth extraction procedures.
Long-Term Consequences
Smoking cigarettes increases your risk for gum disease and tooth loss later on, so now would be an opportune moment to give up this harmful habit – both your gums and teeth will thank you in the future! If quitting is something that interests you, now could be an opportune moment; your long-term wellbeing depends upon it!
Tips to Help Stop Smoking Following Tooth Extraction
We recognize the difficulties involved with quitting tobacco after having teeth extracted, so here is our list of helpful solutions:
After your procedure, refrain from smoking for two days to allow proper clotting process in affected tooth to occur. Instead, focus on chewing gum containing nicotine instead to soothe gum tissue pain – nicotine-containing gum can do as much harm to gums than cigarettes!
Once 72 hours have passed, and you feel ready to resume smoking, take care not to apply excessive pressure while doing so. Nicotine replacement therapy could be another viable solution or consulting with professionals for advice could also prove valuable.
Maintenance and Dental Care after Tooth Extractions
Maintaining proper post-extraction dental care can aid recovery. One method to begin is making sure any irritation near the extraction site has cleared, using antimicrobial mouthwash two to three times weekly until instructed otherwise by your dentist.
Make sure to visit your dentist regularly as this will allow them to monitor your improvement and address any potential problems. Also avoid smoking tobacco and vaping as both produce suction force that could harm healing processes.
Keep any strenuous activities to a minimum for 72 hours after surgery in order to limit post-op bleeding and further complications.
Conclusion
Smoking cigarettes after having your tooth extracted can pose numerous risks to the health of your mouth and oral system, potentially delaying healing time, increasing risk factors and negatively affecting long-term dental wellness. Consider seeking assistance from Dentamerical dental clinic in quitting smoking; your overall and oral wellbeing will both benefit!
