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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Smoking 72 Hours After Tooth Extraction Safe?

I got all 4 of my wisdom teeth removed on Thursday, and it is currently Monday. I have little to no pain and haven't been taking pain killers for 2 days. I've read that dry sockets usually only occur within 72 hours of the procedure, so I am past that point. I am wondering if it would be ok for me to smoke now? (Cigarettes and water pipe) if not, how long so you suggest I wait? I've been rinsing mouth with warm salt water after every meal and before I go to bed. And if it means anything, I have the dissolvable stitches. Thanks for the help!
Fri, 24 Apr 2015
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Addiction Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Cigarettes change the local circulation. They are associated with basically everything connected to poor circulation. While there are not direct studies on this, there are many that are close or related. Best to quit. Next best to not smoke until the healing process is pretty far along--6weeks is definitely good. Seems a bit wrong to say earlier. While the scab is there by 3 days, there isn't any new growth of tissue and that is what would be impaired by the cigarettes (would be any.. probably even Vaping changes blood circulation).
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Is Smoking 72 Hours After Tooth Extraction Safe?

Cigarettes change the local circulation. They are associated with basically everything connected to poor circulation. While there are not direct studies on this, there are many that are close or related. Best to quit. Next best to not smoke until the healing process is pretty far along--6weeks is definitely good. Seems a bit wrong to say earlier. While the scab is there by 3 days, there isn t any new growth of tissue and that is what would be impaired by the cigarettes (would be any.. probably even Vaping changes blood circulation).