How long after wisdom tooth extraction can i drink alcohol

Summer is here, and it’s time for barbeques, dance nights, music, and alcohol! However, if you recently have had a tooth extraction, you may have to pass a few days without a chilled beer.

Oral procedures such as the placement of dental implants or wisdom teeth removals need time and care to heal completely. After a tooth extraction, you should drop certain habits from your lifestyle and items from your menu, and drinking alcohol is one of them.

Why You Shouldn’t Drink Alcohol After A Tooth Extraction

Adverse effects of anesthesia

Right after the extraction, your body will still be under anesthetic effect. Specifically, drinking alcohol can amplify dizziness. For this reason, dentists suggest personal supervision for a minimum of 24 hours after the surgery.

Alcohol can cause a dry socket

For quick and healthy recovery after a tooth extraction, your body must form a blood clot at the extraction site. If the blood clot doesn’t form or is dislodged due to any reason, you may experience a dry socket. Unfortunately, it is a painful condition that puts a brake on your healing process.

Drinking alcoholic drinks such as beer or wine after a tooth extraction can disturb the blood clot, elevating the chances of a dry socket development. This can lead to slowed recovery and other complications.

Bad combo with pain medication

Pain and discomfort are normal after a tooth removal, and your dentist may prescribe some pain medication for comfort. Unfortunately, alcohol and pain relievers (prescribed or over-the-counter) don’t go well and can even cause dizziness and liver damage. Stay away from alcohol while you heal from the surgery.

So How Long After A Wisdom Teeth Removal Can I Drink Alcohol?

If you want to stay away from troubles, avoid drinking alcohol for atleast 72 hours after having your tooth pulled. However, the longer you wait, the better.

What Other Things Should I Avoid After A Tooth Extraction?

Taking care of your mouth after an extraction is your responsibility. The following steps can help ease pain and make you feel better.

Control bleeding

Firmly biting on the gauze that your dentist placed can help control bleeding. Specifically, biting will build up pressure that assists in the formation of a blood clot. Another useful hack is biting on a teabag. The tannic acid in tea helps blood clot development and also lessens pain.

Minimize swelling

Putting an ice pack outside the removal site can help reduce swelling. Apply the ice pack for 10 minutes – on and off. Repeat for a comfortable amount of time.

Mitigate pain

Taking over-the-counter pain relievers or those prescribed by your dentist can help minimize pain and discomfort. Avoid driving while you are on medication as they may make you dizzy.

Take rest

Get enough rest and slow down your activities for a day or two after your wisdom teeth removal. Furthermore, take ample amounts of rest during the day and sleep early. Additionally, when sleeping, use an extra pillow to raise your head slightly.

Do’s

The following can help with quicker recovery.

• Eat soft, healthy foods, including fruits, veggies, and cereals.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day and other liquids such as fresh juices and milkshakes
• Keep your mouth clean by gently brushing your teeth; however, avoid allowing the bristles to touch the extraction site. Also, make sure you are not using toothpaste as it may displace the blood clot.

Don’ts

Things to avoid after extraction.

• Avoid drinking with a straw as it can break down the blood clot, giving you a dry socket.
• Don’t drink hot liquids such as tea or coffee for the first few days or the next 48 hours after your tooth removal. Hot drinks can worsen the swelling and slow down recovery.
• Don’t smoke as it can dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition.

Take good care of yourself, and you’ll be better in no time. By following the above steps and instructions by your dentist, you’re on the path to getting a healthy smile!

Schedule Your Appointment!

If you are concerned about any symptoms you have after your tooth extraction, such as extreme pain, vomiting, excessive bleeding, or swelling, immediately visit your dentist. No matter where you live in Texas, our dental clinics are present in multiple locations. Visit us for your emergency today!

After getting one or more teeth pulled, you may be tempted to sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink or two. However, you may not want to go digging into your fridge or alcohol cabinet just yet. Although alcohol can be a nice treat to enjoy every once in a while, it can have adverse effects on your healing time. That said, here’s what you should know about drinking alcohol after tooth extraction and how abstinence can ensure a successful recovery.

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction involves removing a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. It’s a necessary procedure for many reasons, including severe infection, extensive injury, or simply to make more room in your mouth for orthodontic treatment. Every tooth extraction falls under one of the following categories:

• Simple Extractions – This process involves removing a tooth that’s visible in your mouth. It’s the most common procedure performed by dentists. After numbing the tooth and surrounding gum tissue with a local anesthetic, they’ll loosen and remove it from your mouth.
• Surgical Extractions – These are performed when a tooth has broken at the gum line or failed to erupt, like an impacted wisdom tooth. Even though a general dentist can perform this type of extraction, it’s mainly done by an oral surgeon. During a surgical extraction, they’ll make a small incision in the gums to remove the tooth.

Can You Drink Alcohol After a Tooth Extraction?

Short answer: no, you can’t drink alcohol after tooth extraction. After your tooth is removed, a blood clot must form in the area until granulation tissue forms, which could take about a week or more. If the blood doesn’t clot, you could get a dry socket, which can be very painful. This condition will hinder your recovery process and require you to visit your dentist more often for treatment. Generally, you’ll need to wait about seven to ten days before drinking alcohol. While you recover, you must drink plenty of water and stay hydrated to promote faster healing. It’s worth noting that some pain medications can be dangerous if taken with alcohol. Therefore, it’s best to wait until you no longer require painkillers before resuming alcohol use.

Tips for a Smooth-Sailing Recovery

Here are some steps you can take to ensure your recovery goes smoothly:

• Take it easy for at least 24 hours following your tooth extraction
• Leave the gauze in your mouth for a few hours to allow a blood clot to form
• Apply a cold compress near the surgical area to reduce swelling
• Do not rinse your mouth vigorously, use a straw, or spit for at least 24 hours to avoid dislodging the blood clot
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products for at least three days following your extraction

Ultimately, it’s best to avoid drinking alcohol after a tooth extraction, no matter how tempting it might be. By following the recovery tips outlined above, you can enjoy a fully healed and healthy mouth in no time!

About the Practice

At South Florida Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we deliver exceptional, state-of-the-art, individually tailored that’s guaranteed to exceed even your highest of expectations. Our team is led by four board-certified and experienced oral surgeons, meaning you can expect to receive the high-quality, stunning results you deserve. If you have any questions about drinking alcohol after a tooth extraction, visit our website or call our office to speak to a member of our team.

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