While the preservation of patients’ natural teeth is one of the primary goals of dental medicine, it is sometimes necessary to remove a compromised tooth to protect the health of the rest of the smile. While it’s understandable that you might want to celebrate after your tooth extraction, alcohol use can complicate the healing process and may lead to oral infections. Here’s a quick overview of the risks of consuming alcohol too soon after an extraction and when it will be safe to enjoy a drink again.
How Are Tooth Extractions Performed?
The tooth extraction process always begins with the dentist administering an appropriate anesthetic to ensure that the patient feels no pain. Once the patient is numb, the dentist will use a specialized device called an elevator to lift the targeted tooth from the gum tissue before gently working it loose from its ligaments with forceps. The patient may receive stitches to protect the wound afterward.
However, a complex extraction may be necessary if the tooth has not emerged properly from the gum tissue. This will involve the dentist making small incisions in the gums so the targeted tooth can be accessed. After the tooth is removed, the dentist will stitch the wound shut.
Why Is Alcohol Risky After Tooth Extraction?
After tooth extraction, your mouth will need time to rest and heal, and your dentist will be happy to provide you with detailed aftercare instructions so you can keep your recovery process smooth and complication-free. These will probably include items like:
- Gently performing normal oral hygiene
- Rinsing regularly with saltwater
- Refraining from spitting or drinking through a straw
- Sticking to a soft, mild diet that excludes items that are hot, icy, crunchy, chewy, sticky, sugary, or acidic
- Abstaining from tobacco and alcohol use
Alcohol is particularly risky when recovering after a tooth extraction because it is acidic, which will irritate the healing oral tissues, and has blood-thinning effects, which will make it harder for the body to heal and fight infections. Drinking too soon after having a tooth removed will inhibit the recovery process and make it easier for harmful bacteria to colonize the wound.
When Can I Have a Drink After Tooth Extraction?
The best beverage for those recovering after a tooth extraction will always be water since it is sugar-free, neither acidic nor basic, and necessary for the health of the body. It’s best to wait at least seven to ten days before enjoying an alcoholic beverage after extraction, but you should also consider any pain medication you are taking. Some drugs are dangerous when combined with alcohol, so be sure you aren’t prescribed anything that won’t mix well with your beverage before indulging.
Tooth extraction may be the best thing for your oral health. Adhering to your dentist’s aftercare instructions will allow you to prevent painful complications and comfortably resume your normal activities sooner.
About the Practice
Omega Dental of Bedford offers exemplary oral healthcare to the Mid-Cities area. Led by Drs. Prashantkumar and Julyat Gajera, the staff treats each patient with respect, compassion, and the finest customer service in town. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as extraction services. To learn more about aftercare for tooth extractions, contact the office online or dial (817) 518-6915.