Although most dentists typically do everything they can to protect and preserve your natural teeth, there are some circumstances in which an extraction is the best way to safeguard your smile. For instance, if you have an overly decayed or damaged tooth that can’t be treated with a root canal, removing it can keep the problem from spreading to your neighboring teeth, gums, or jawbone.
However, many patients have questions about recovering from their appointment, like whether it’s safe to indulge in an alcoholic beverage afterward. Continue reading to learn why waiting until you’ve fully healed is better!
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
Plenty of people experience anxiety around dental appointments, especially if it involves a major procedure. If you’re afraid having your troubled tooth pulled will hurt, you can safely set your concerns aside.
First, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic to keep the nerves in your teeth and jaw from sending pain signals to your brain. Then, if your tooth is easily accessible and in good condition, they will gently loosen it from its socket by using a special instrument known as an ‘elevator’. Next, they’ll grasp it with forceps and wiggle it free.
Those with infected or impacted teeth are more likely to require surgical extraction. This involves numbing your mouth and then creating an opening in your gums to access the tender tooth. Then, your dentist may have to break it into smaller pieces to remove it without harming your jawbone.
Is It Safe to Drink Alcohol After My Extraction?
It’s understandable to want a drink to unwind with after a dental extraction, but it’s essential that you follow your dentist’s post-op instructions to prevent complications. Your mouth must form a blood clot at the procedure site to avoid a painful condition called dry socket, and many of their directions are intended to keep it from harm.
Unfortunately, alcohol is a blood thinner, making it harder for your mouth to form a stable clot. Furthermore, it’s highly acidic and can irritate your gums or the recently exposed nerves and bone tissue, increasing the risk of developing dry socket.
How Soon After My Procedure Can I Drink Alcohol?
The all-important blood clot is made from granulation tissue, which is a white or pale pink substance containing blood vessels, collagen, and white blood cells to fight infection. It often takes a week or more for this special material to develop, and you must be careful not to harm it or you can potentially delay your recovery by several weeks. As a result, it’s often recommended that patients wait at least 7 to 10 days after their extraction before indulging in alcohol.
If you still have pressing questions about drinking alcohol after your procedure, the best way to get realistic answers based on your current condition is to ask your dentist!
About the Practice
At United Dental Centers of Chicago, families benefit from a team of dentists who share decades of combined experience. They work together to offer a complete range of services at one convenient location, including extractions. Then, they prioritize patient care and take the time to get to know you so they can tailor treatment plans to meet your unique needs. Next, the combine a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art technology to enhance your comfort while delivering accurate results. If you’re worried about dry socket, you can request an appointment on the website or call (773) 646-6262.