Can You Vape After a Tooth Extraction?

Can You Vape After a Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a non-complicated thing, but the post-surgery needs to be taken care of. The question that worries the vapers is when they will be able to vape again. It may be easy to do, but picking up your vaping device too early may result in an unpleasant complication. Here’s what you need to know.

The Main Danger: Developing Dry Socket

The risk of developing a dry socket is the most crucial reason why one should avoid vaping following an extraction. Once a tooth is extracted, a blood clot develops in the socket. This clot is essential to prevent the underlying bone and nerve endings, which form a basis upon which new tissue is developed. Dry socket results when this blood clot is dislodged or dissolved, leaving the bones and nerves exposed. It is a very painful condition, and it requires the patient to visit the dentist again.

The Sucking Motion is the Primary Culprit

The most significant issue is physical vaping. In order to inhale the vapor, you make a vacuum in your mouth. This suction may tear the new, immature blood clot right out of the point of extraction. It does not matter whether it is a strong puff or a weak one; negative pressure is also a serious threat to the healing clot in the initial days.

Heat and Chemicals Also Hinder Healing

Other components of vaping are also harmful to healing. Hot vapor may cause irritation of the wound and inflammation. More so, even the chemicals of e-liquid (including those that do not contain nicotine) can result in irritation or a bacteria finding its way to the sensitive area. On its part, nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, which makes the blood vessels narrower, slows the blood flow, which is a very critical requirement of healthy, rapid healing.

So, How Long Should You Wait?

The most responsible solution is to wait as long as your dentist recommends. At least you should wait for a period of 72 hours (3 days). However, many dentists advise that a patient should wait at least one week or longer. It provides the gum tissue with sufficient time to start healing in the section of the socket, and this is what makes the clot more determined and less likely to be expelled.

Conclusion

Concisely, one should not vape right after extracting a tooth. All of these factors, combined with suction, heat, and nicotine, make the development of the terribly painful disease of dry socket very high. Post-operative instructions should be followed accurately to guarantee the recovery process is smooth without any complications. The temporary infliction of a small fee to prevent a big loss in your recovery is a short moment in vaping. Read More: Can You Put Vapes in a Suitcase? Can You Vape After a Filling?