Does Smoking Cause Dry Sockets After Tooth Extraction?

No one wants to go through a tooth extraction. But, the relief from removing a problematic tooth and preventing potential further dental issues makes it well worth the trouble. If cared for properly, the socket should have a good clot that heals within a few weeks. 

However, it doesn’t always go as smoothly due to dry sockets.

In fact, people who have been smoking for a long time are at a higher risk of having them. A study shows that cigarette smokers have poor blood clotting a few weeks after their procedures. 

Patients who consume tobacco right after their extraction will endure dry sockets and delay healing, possibly causing infections by prolonging this period.

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In today’s post, we’ll learn why smoking causes a dry socket and how to accelerate your healing right after a tooth extraction.

How Does Smoking Cause Dry Sockets After Tooth Extraction?

If you’re a smoker and have just had a tooth extraction, brace yourself, as you might end up experiencing dry sockets. 

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly are dry sockets?

They’re also known as alveolar osteitis, and they can be quite painful after you’ve had a tooth removed.

After your extraction, a blood clot should form at the site within a few days.

This clot is important, as it helps protect the underlying bone and nerves that may have been damaged during the procedure. 

However, sometimes this blood clot can get dislodged or dissolve too early, which leads to dry sockets.

Since cigarettes contain thousands of harmful chemicals, it’s no wonder that smoking after tooth extraction can seriously damage your blood clots.

The chemicals in tobacco smoke, like tar, can reduce blood flow and make it harder for your body to form and keep a stable clot.

On top of that, these chemicals also have a negative impact on your immune system, which means your body struggles to heal and fight off infections.

Don’t forget about the act of smoking itself; the suction created when you inhale can easily dislodge the blood clot, causing unnecessary movement at the extraction site.

Even the heat from the smoke and its other properties can irritate the sensitive tissue around the area. So, it’s best to be cautious if you’re a smoker in this situation.

Symptoms of Dry Socket

The physical signs of dry socket can differ from person to person. For some, it can be incredibly painful and quite uncomfortable.

On the other hand, there are those who might have a dry socket and not feel anything at all.

So, no matter which scenario you find yourself in, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the symptoms of dry socket.

That way, you’ll know when it’s time to pop along to your dentist for some expert advice.

Severe Pain for Days After Extraction

One of the biggest indicators that you might have a dry socket is when you start experiencing intense pain a few days after having a tooth extracted.

You might be taken aback by just how much worse this pain can feel compared to the usual discomfort you expect after having a tooth pulled.

I Smoked After a Tooth Extraction. Is It Bad?

If you’ve smoked cigarettes after a tooth extraction, we highly recommend you stop immediately. 

Given the well-established link between smoking and dry sockets, smoking increases the risk of developing a dry socket and promotes a higher possibility of having infections, not to mention the great pain and discomfort you’ll feel throughout.

Your dentist or oral surgeon will likely advise you to avoid smoking for at least 48 to 72 hours after the procedure. 

During this time, it’s essential to resist the urge to smoke, even if you’re a regular smoker. Furthermore, it’s better to use this period as an opportunity to try and stop smoking altogether to have long-term benefits for your oral and overall health.

A Better Approach: Quit Smoking Altogether

Smoking has been linked to a range of dental problems, including gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. If you’re a smoker, quitting altogether can lead to better overall oral health and reduce the chances of future dental complications.

Quitting smoking is undoubtedly a challenging task, but it’s a decision that can positively impact your health and quality of life. Within just six days, you’ll feel a great difference. 

Now, think of how stopping smoking can make you feel after a month or a year after you’ve stopped smoking for good.

Need Help Stopping Smoking?

Improving your dental health through a tooth extraction reduces the risk of damaging other teeth and spreading infection. 

However, smoking will slow down your extraction healing and cause dry sockets, not to mention weaken your oral system and cause long-term damage to healthy teeth. 

We strongly recommend stopping smoking for good to improve your dental health altogether, and we can help you do just that. 

Smokefree Clinic gives you access to many medically reviewed and trustworthy resources that can inform and aid you in your path to wellness, so have a look around! 

If you’re ready to get started, Smokefree can connect you to Australian healthcare professionals who excel in helping patients quit smoking for good.

Link Reference:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9317683/
• https://www.who.int/news/item/20-01-2020-smoking-greatly-increases-risk-of-complications-after-surgery