When can you drink alcohol after wisdom tooth extraction

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!

If you plan on getting your wisdom teeth removed in 2021 and would like to know more about the post operation procedures, read the information below or feel free to contact us. We have performed thousands of dental procedures and can make certain you recover in the proper manner.

Wisdom teeth, which are considered your permanent “third molars,” typically develop between the ages of 17 and 21. These are the last of your permanent teeth to grow in the mouth and are meant to be for chewing. However, many people can get along just fine without wisdom teeth since there are eight other molars in the mouth that are meant for “chewing”.

Unfortunately, wisdom teeth may be likely to cause problems for many individuals. A common issue with wisdom teeth is that they cause crowding in the mouth. Often times, the jaw is already quite full prior to any wisdom teeth coming in. If you are experiencing problems due to your wisdom teeth, it is recommended that you consult with a general dentist. A dentist will be able to evaluate your case and decide if you may need a referral for an oral surgeon. As the top Raleigh Emergency Dentist, you can be rest assured Dr. Brett Wells has your best interest in mind.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

If you find yourself experiencing pain from your wisdom teeth and have consulted with an oral surgeon, it is likely that they may have suggested wisdom teeth removal. This procedure is often done in a surgeon’s office and your experience of surgery and recovery depends heavily on the position of your wisdom teeth in the mouth. Following wisdom teeth removal it is very important to follow the post-operative procedures that are instructed.

Alcohol Consumption and Wisdom Teeth Removal

After wisdom teeth removal, it is extremely important that you take it easy for a few days. You should get proper rest, control any bleeding, drink liquids, avoid drinking from a straw and take your medication as prescribed. Following post-operative instructions can help to ensure that healing will occur efficiently.

You are expected for at least the initial 24 hours following your wisdom teeth removal to refrain from drinking any alcohol. In the event you drink alcohol before the initial 24 hours, this can cause post-operative bleeding, which will keep the proper blood clot from forming in the surgery site. In fact, the formation of a blood clot is crucial. If a blood clot is not formed properly in the surgery site excessive bleeding can occur. Additionally, a dry socket can likely result if a clot does not form or happens to be dislodged or misplaced out of the surgery site. Drinking alcohol or drinking through a straw can increase the chances of receiving dry socket.

In fact, dry socket is one of the most common complications of wisdom teeth removal. Typically, a dry socket can occur 3 to 5 days following surgery if a patient fails to follow proper instructions given by the dental professional. The socket will cause an ache or throbbing pain the gums or jaw and may intensify, similar to a toothache. It is possible for a foul smelling odor to occur in the empty socket and you may see exposed bone in the site as well. Our Midlothian, VA dentist friends have explained that dry sockets are one of the top concerns of their patients.

More importantly, you should not drink alcohol while on your pain medications. There are no exceptions to this. A combination of pain medication and alcohol can cause serious problems beyond just your mouth. You may make yourself more susceptible to falls or injury, impair driving or could even cause liver damage. Be sure to read the labels on your pain medications if you have doubts. If you have additional questions concerning alcohol and your wisdom teeth, call your dentist or surgeon.

If you are having any doubts, listen to your body. The body is capable of understanding what is most appropriate during any recovery following a surgery. If there is a party or special event that you wish to attend following your oral surgery and you are feeling up to participating, there is no harm in drinking sparkling water as opposed to an alcoholic beverage! It is also important to remember that moderation is essential when adding alcohol back in after you are fully recovered.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding wisdom teeth removal and alcohol or questions about wisdom teeth removal in general, we have the best Raleigh dentists available for you! At Wells Family Dental Group, we can provide professional insight to any questions you may have. Located in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, our staff is committed to help treating all of your dental needs. Please schedule your appointment with us today.