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.