How many days should you wait to smoke after Wisdom tooth Extraction

Smoking after a Wisdom tooth extraction or removal is strictly prohibited as most third molar extractions are traumatic and very less are simple extractions. Wisdom tooth removal can be required due to a lot of reasons, Impacted wisdom tooth (upper or lower), decay in the tooth, preventive extractions at an early age etc. The anatomy of wisdom teeth is abnormal in most cases and this leads to complications during extraction and in turn resulting in a bigger wound or socket after extraction.

What should I do If I am a smoking addict and cannot wait for 1 week after tooth extraction to start smoking?

If you are an addict and cannot wait for the 1-week time frame which is given, you need to wait for a minimum of 48-72 hours before starting smoking. If you cannot stop be ready to face the consequences of a Dry Socket.

There are a set of Post extraction instructions which are to be followed after every tooth extraction and the same holds true in case of a Wisdom tooth removal as well. One of the most important care tip to be followed in case of smokers is to stop smoking completely for a week, which is approximately the amount of time taken for the socket to heal.

Why should you Stop smoking after Tooth removal:

There are two main reasons why smoking is a strict NO after tooth removal and removal of wisdom tooth in particular –

1. The sucking action which is required while smoking leads to the negative pressure which leads to dislodgement or removal of the Clot formed inside the socket. This will lead to exposure of the bony socket and in turn resulting in the very painful condition od Dry Socket or Alveolar Osteitis. 
2. The second reason is the heat produced during smoking which can lead to a decrease in the supply of blood and also delays healing.

As smoking after tooth extraction can lead to Alveolar Osteitis which is said to be excruciatingly painful and more painful than a tooth pain. When you smoke after a tooth extraction it leads to decrease in the healing process of the socket as it affects the blood vessels in the extraction site.

Tips to Stop Smoking after Wisdom Tooth Removal:

• The best option is to start using a nicotine patch, it helps in controlling the withdrawal symptoms
• Mention your smoking habit and ask your dentist to apply sutures in the extraction site
• If you cannot keep yourself from Smoking keep a gauze over the socket while smoking
• Do not use nicotine gum or chewing tobacco as this directly exposes the substance to the extraction site
• Distract yourself from smoking but taking on a new habit during the times which you used to smoke
• Wait at least 48 hours after your surgery before smoking

The Gingival and Periodontal condition in smokers is bad due to the fact that smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes leads to inflammation of the gums. As a side effect of inflammation, cytokines and immune factors are produced which lead to periodontal disease. So you can imagine what happens when you smoke after tooth extraction.

It is up to you to decide if you want to bear the excruciating pain of Dry Socket or control your urge to smoke for a few days.