If you need surgery, there is a chance that you are wondering, “How long after wisdom teeth removal can I drink alcohol?”
Wisdom teeth extraction can be more than uncomfortable, but it is something many people must go through. If you want to learn more about the procedure and how it works, check this website and get all the details you will need.
Meanwhile, let us guide you through the basics of alcohol consumption and wisdom tooth extraction.
Wisdom Teeth
Rare are people who have no problems with wisdom teeth. For them, the process can be quite simple: they either don’t have them, or there is enough space in the jaw for the wisdom teeth to grow without problems.
But in the majority of cases, wisdom teeth will grow in a strange way. Whether it is sideways or horizontally, there is only one solution to the problem — extraction. Wisdom teeth surgery is a simple surgical procedure, but the healing process might last for a while.
That means that the patient won’t be able to eat or drink whatever they want. Instead, they will need to focus on the healing process and ensure that nothing goes wrong. But before we dive into all the dos and don’ts of wisdom teeth removal, you will need to know a couple of things.
Extraction
In most cases, surgery will be required to remove the tooth. Depending on the patient, the process can last a couple of minutes or half an hour. Each person is different, so there is no telling how long it will take. What matters is that this isn’t a complex procedure, and your dentist should be able to finish it in no time.
But it is essential to mention that there might be a couple of side effects. Firstly, you might notice pain once the anesthesia wears off. And this is entirely normal. Naturally, it will be far from pleasant, but your doctor should recommend the type of medication you could use to reduce the pain.
Besides pain, it is also possible to experience swelling. It can appear inside of your mouth, on the jaw, and even outside, depending on the type of procedure. Bruising is also possible in some cases, but all of these should disappear after a couple of hours or days.
If the procedure went well, healing should start almost immediately, and the entire process can last up to two weeks. After that, you should be able to continue eating normally, and there will be no side effects.
Can You Drink Alcohol After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Now, the burning question is, “Can I drink alcohol after wisdom teeth removal.” And the answer is no. The first reason is that the entire experience might be painful. After all, you will have a wound in your jaw, and the last thing you’d need is alcohol.
But the problem is a lot more complex. Once the tooth is removed, a blood clot should develop in the place where the tooth was. And once it appears on the wound, the process of healing will begin. In some cases, wisdom teeth removal will include stitches, making the healing process a bit faster.
Either way, your goal is to allow your body to heal properly, and alcohol is one of many substances that can delay the process. The problem is that drinking alcohol can dislodge the blood clot or even prevent it from forming properly. And this condition is known as a dry socket.
It will make the healing process slower and more painful. When can you drink alcohol after wisdom teeth removal? The safest bet would be to skip a couple of days and wait for your jaw to heal before you have another drink.
What to Eat and What to Avoid?
Alcohol is just one of many things you should avoid to ensure the healing process goes as planned. For example, you shouldn’t eat on that side of the jaw either, and you should try avoiding anything that can disrupt the healing process. That, of course, includes hard foods.
Anything that is difficult to chew and can dislodge or damage the clot should be left for after your jaw is healed. You should also avoid tobacco and any tobacco-based products. Naturally, that includes cigarettes as well.
While nicotine and tobacco can disrupt the healing process, it is only one part of the problem. The main issue is the vacuum. With cigarettes, you will need to inhale the smoke, creating a vacuum in your mouth, which can also dislodge the clot and make everything a lot more painful.
It is also one of the reasons why drinking anything with a straw should be avoided as well. And while it might seem scary, it won’t take long for the wound to heal. As long as you follow the guidelines from your dentist, you will be ready to continue with your daily routine in no time.
The Healing Process
Following the steps mentioned earlier can promote healing and help you avoid potential problems. And there will be additional things about the healing you will learn from your dentist. For pain, you will probably get a prescription for pain medication, which is another reason to avoid alcohol since it can affect how these medications work.
You can also use gauze or anything cold to apply pressure on your cheek, and it is a great way to reduce swelling and pain.
When it comes to the process of healing, there are a couple of important dates to remember. Many people have a nicotine addiction, and it will be challenging for them to stop smoking. But try to avoid it for at least three days after the extraction to avoid problems.
You should avoid spitting and straws for at least a day, but you will notice how your body behaves. Each person is different, so try listening to your body and seeing how it reacts. And of course, talk to your dentist if you notice any type of problem.
