When can you drink after getting your wisdom teeth out

When can you drink after getting your wisdom teeth out

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.

When can you drink after getting your wisdom teeth out

Posted: January 6th, 2021 Category:

Getting a tooth pulled isn’t most people’s idea of a fun time. Very few people would blame you for wanting to relax with a beer after the procedure. However, if you want to have a smooth and speedy recovery, you shouldn’t go reaching for the alcohol cabinet just yet. Why is that? Keep reading as an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs explains whether it’s safe to drink alcohol after a tooth extraction.

Can I Drink Alcohol After a Tooth Extraction?

Unfortunately, most dentists will recommend abstaining from alcohol after you have a tooth pulled. Once a tooth is removed, a blood clot must form over the extraction site in order for your mouth to heal properly. This process can take about a week. If the blood is unable to clot, or if the clot is dislodged prematurely, you could get a painful condition called dry socket.

Not only does dry socket hurt, but it also leaves the nerves and bones near the extraction site vulnerable to bacterial infection, ultimately slowing down your healing process. You may end up having to schedule more follow-up appointments with your dentist in addition to feeling pain radiate through your mouth and even the rest of your face.

How Soon After a Tooth Extraction Can I Drink Alcohol?

Generally, it’s best to avoid alcohol after an extraction for as long as your dentist suggests. That’s usually at least 72 hours. Just to be on the safe side, though, you may want to wait seven to 10 days for the blood clot to fully form and the extraction site to finish healing.

During that time, drink water instead. It’s important to stay hydrated throughout the healing process. However, remember to NOT drink through a straw, as that could dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket.

Other Tips for a Smooth Recovery

In addition to refraining from drinking alcohol, here are some more post-op tips for a quick and easy recover after a tooth extraction:

  • Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least the first 72 hours.
  • When lying down, raise your head slightly.
  • Leave the gauze that your dentist put over the extraction site in place for a few hours to encourage a blood clot to form. Afterward, change it as often as needed.
  • Take all medications, including painkillers and antibiotics, as directed.
  • Do not rinse or spit too vigorously.
  • Hold an ice pack to your cheek in 10-minute intervals to reduce swelling and discomfort.
  • Avoid using straws for the first 48 hours.
  • Do not use tobacco products for at least three days.

As tempting as it may be to unwind with a bottle of beer or a glass of wine after your tooth extraction, it’s best to avoid it. By following the steps listed above, and the aftercare guidelines provided by your dentist, your mouth will be fully healed before you know it. Then, you can celebrate with a toast to your healthy smile!

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Gasper II obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry. In his 30+ years of experience as a general and emergency dentist in Colorado Springs, he has trained extensively in many areas of dentistry, including tooth extractions. He’ll make sure your procedure and recovery go swimmingly. To learn more about making a smooth recovery after a tooth extraction, you can contact his office at (719) 626-4145 or visit his website.

How soon after wisdom teeth can you drink alcohol?

Alcohol can hinder your body's natural healing process while also increasing the risk of infection. Your dentist will suggest avoiding alcohol for at least 7 to 10 days after your extraction to allow your tissue to heal. Instead, they will recommend drinking plenty of water.

Does alcohol cause dry socket?

Drinking alcohol can increase the chances of developing a dry socket. When a tooth is extracted, a blood clot is formed in the area from where the tooth is removed. The blood clot covers the nerves and stops bacteria from forming. Alcohol can stop blood clot formation or can dislodge it, which can cause a dry socket.