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Navigating the dos and don’ts after a tooth extraction can be challenging. To make your recovery smoother, Dr. X from AZ Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons answers 10 of the most frequently asked questions.
Here’s everything you need to know to ensure a successful healing process.
- When can I drink beer after a tooth extraction?
You should avoid drinking beer or any alcoholic beverages for 7–10 days after a tooth extraction. Alcohol can interfere with the healing process and may increase the risk of infection or complications. Drink water and other non-alcoholic fluids to stay hydrated during this time.
- When can I smoke after a tooth extraction?
Ideally, you should refrain from smoking for at least 72 hours post-extraction. The longer you go without smoking, the better your chances of a successful recovery. Smoking will delay the healing process, cause dry socket, and increase the risk of infection.
- Can I vape after a tooth extraction?
Similar to smoking, it is advisable not to vape for at least 72 hours after a tooth extraction. Vaping can create suction in the mouth, which may dislodge the blood clot and result in a dry socket. Vaping also introduces chemicals and irritants that can slow down the healing process and increase your chance of developing an infection.
- How do you know if you have a dry socket?
Symptoms of a dry socket include severe pain at the extraction site that may radiate to your ear that is not improved by any pain medication, bad breath and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. They typically start around day 5 after surgery and resolve by day 10. If you experience any of these, contact your oral surgeon immediately. As with any surgery, you should expect pain and swelling for at least 3–5 days. Drinking alcohol, smoking, vaping, and not keeping your surgical sites clean will increase by at least 2-fold the amount and duration of the postoperative pain. This is not necessarily caused by a dry socket but could also increase your chances of getting a dry socket.
- When can you use mouthwash after tooth extraction?
Do not use mouthwash unless prescribed by your surgeon. If mouthwash was prescribed, you should very gently rinse your mouth. Do not spit, rather let the mouthwash fall out of your mouth. Vigorous rinsing and spitting can disrupt the blood clot and cause a dry socket. If you were not prescribed mouthwash, rinse with warm salt water after each meal and after brushing.
- When can I eat solid food after a tooth extraction?
You can start eating soft foods once the numbness wears off, typically a few hours post-extraction. Examples of soft food include boiled and mashed vegetables, protein drinks, chicken broth and eggs. For a more detailed list, read What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction. This list of foods and meal ideas is applicable for all types of tooth extractions.
You can return to a regular diet on day seven. Do not eat crunchy or hard foods until the gum tissue has completely healed. Avoid small foods like seeds, popcorn, poppy seeds and sesame seeds. They can get stuck in the healing socket and cause irritation or infection.
- When do I stop using gauze after wisdom tooth extraction?
You should only use gauze if you are experiencing bleeding from the surgical site. Blood tinged saliva is normal. It takes about 8 hours for a blood clot to form, so a little bit of blood is to be expected. If you experience bleeding that is more than a trickle, then you should use the gauze.
If this occurs, fold one small gauze into a small square and place it directly on the surgical site. Press the gauze down for 5 minutes. After the initial 5 minutes, bite down on the gauze for 60 minutes, keeping firm pressure on the gauze. After 60 minutes, remove the gauze.
If there is still a trickle of blood, place a new piece of gauze on the site and press down for 5 more minutes. If the bleeding persists, follow the above instructions. Biting on gauze does not mean to have the gauze between the teeth. It refers to using the biting force to place pressure on the surgical site while the gauze is directly over the surgical site. Improper placement of the gauze will actually prolong and sometimes even stimulate bleeding.
If after two hours of constant pressure you still see blood, wrap a tea bag (black tea only) with a piece of gauze. A bit down on it for 60 minutes.
If bleeding continues, call our office for further instructions.
- Why can’t I eat dairy after a tooth extraction?
In many patients, dairy causes congestion and inflammation. While you are in the middle of a post-surgery response, dairy can contribute to a greater swelling and inflammation response in your body. Many people are sensitive to dairy during this healing phase and are not aware they have this sensitivity.
- How long after tooth extraction can I use a straw?
Do not use a straw for 7 days post surgery. Using a straw creates suction in your mouth which can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a dry socket. It’s important to follow this guideline as dry sockets are painful and will delay the healing process.
- How long does it take for gums to heal after a tooth extraction?
You will notice your gums starting to heal by day three, but they take about 14 days for the initial healing to take place. The residual defect in the bone and gums heals from the inside out and top to bottom and can take months to fully heal.
During this final phase of healing, many times you are not aware that anything is happening. Keep the area clean and if your body is healthy it will take care of the rest.
If you have sutures, they will gradually start to break down into smaller pieces and should be gone anywhere between day 3 and 14. Occasionally they can take longer to break down or your surgeon may have used sutures that will need to be removed.
AZ Max Oral Surgery: Your Partners in Oral Health
We hope this blog has answered your questions about tooth extractions. If you are scheduled for a tooth extraction at one of our surgical centers, you can be sure that you will receive the best care.
We will provide you with before and aftercare instructions so that you can have a successful surgery and recovery. Our team will also keep in touch with you throughout the healing process to ensure that everything is going smoothly.
Remember, if you experience any complications or have any concerns, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here for you every step of the way.
If you are in the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and Show Low and are searching for an ‘oral surgeon near me’, an oral surgeon in Mesa or ‘wisdom tooth extraction near me’, we can help. Call or text (480) 830-5866 to book an appointment or complete the online booking form.
Additional Resources
Bone Spicules After Tooth Extraction: What You Need to Know
The Impact of Smoking After Wisdom Tooth Removal: How To Ensure a Healthy Recovery
