Question:
I had my wisdom teeth removed this morning (all 4) and after the
procedure the nurse talked with me about dry sockets, mostly because
of the fact that i smoke. She said to not smoke for a few days (or as
long as possible). all i thought was.....4 days? you gotta be kidding
me! So my question is.....why would smoking interfere with the blood
clots which are part of the healing process?
What's the difference between smoking, eating or drinking since im
allowed to eat and drink?
My bottom right molar had to be helped (spliced gums and went into the
bone to help get it out then stitched the gums back up) I havent had
much swelling considering.
Does nicotine hurt the healing process that much?
Since the extractions i have been dying for a smoke and did cheat once
but made sure i covered up the extraction points with gauze.
Can someone shed a light on dry sockets in relation to smoking after
extraction?
Answer:
i am also a smoker, and a dentist.......(ah, geez, now every
dentist on sci.med.dentistry is gonna get on my case.......) so i know what it
is like when you are craving a smoke.
the reason we advise no smoking for several days after an extraction is
twofold.....first, the chemistry of cigarette smoke can dissolve the clot, and
second, the suction action of dragging on a butt can physically pull the clot
out of the socket. once the original clot is lost, the socket will not bleed
again, and the bone will be exposed and slowly start to die. this is what a
dry socket is. believe me, it is worse than going without cigarettes. also,
you are human, and you are going to do what you are going to do. my advice to
you is that if you can't go cold turkey (no pun intended), keep it to an
absolute minumum ! the best is abstinence, or use of a condom. OOPS ! THAT'S
A DIFFERENT NEWSGROUP ! SORRY ! seriously, though, if you smoke and get a dry
socket, the doc won't be the one in pain.......you will.
Smoking interfers with the Blood supply to the wound area and also
effects formation of a good blood clot in the extraction site.
If you smoke there is a good possibility of your getting a dry socket
and you don't know what pain is till you get one of these. With four
extaction sites you'd be well advised not to smoke for at least a week.
Then you can continue and kick the habit altogether.
