How Many Days Should I Not Smoke After Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery requires healing time depending on the type of oral surgery and severity of the issue. Some common oral surgeries at Brian Gurinsky, DDS in Denver, CO consist of tooth removal, repair from injury, jaw surgery, or dental implants. Any time you have an oral surgery procedure there are precautions patients must take in order to ensure proper healing. We want all of our surgeries to be a success, and once patients return home, we recommend patients follow our at home care instructions to ensure all goes well.

How Many Days Should I Not Smoke After Oral Surgery?

Many patients wonder how soon they can resume normal activity or common habits at home like smoking after oral surgery. Smoking is never recommended, but if the patient is a smoker we recommend they refrain from smoking at least 72 hours or 3 days after their surgery. During the patient’s healing period blood clots need to have time to form, and waiting to smoke ensures the mouth can heal. Smoking can disrupt the healing process, and makes the risk for complications higher. Complications such as dry sockets after tooth removal among other issues can occur if patients smoke.

Toxins from the cigarette can cause inflammation of the gums, additional pain, and swelling. Smoking causes delayed healing of oral tissue, and can lengthen the process all together. If you notice increased pain or swelling around the oral surgery area contact our dental office in Denver, CO or our dental practice in Centennial, CO immediately. Any prolonged pain after oral surgery or swelling should always be addressed.

What Can Help Avoid the Urge to Smoke During the Healing Period?

If patients want to avoid complications during the healing period nicotine patches can be used. Our dentist in Denver & Centennial, CO recommends to avoid any nicotine gum or chewing tobacco. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and disrupts the area that is healing.

Distracting yourself with a new habit may help to avoid the urge to smoke during healing. Focus on healing and your oral hygiene routine at home to help keep your mind off the urge to smoke. We recommend rinsing with saltwater a few times a day and brushing gently while the area heals.

Looking for an Oral Surgeon in Centennial or Denver, CO?

If you are looking for a quality oral surgeon or have questions about the healing process and need more information, our friendly staff is here to help.

To inquire more about oral surgery and how you can make the healing process easier, contact Dr. Gurinsky to schedule your appointment at our oral surgery office in Denver, Colorado or are our dental clinic in Centennial, CO. Our team would be happy to assist you!