Why is it recommended to wait 48 hours after tooth extraction smoke?

It is recommended to wait at least 48 hours after tooth extraction before smoking due to several reasons:

1. Dry Socket: Smoking creates negative pressure in the mouth and can dislodge the blood clot formed at the extraction site, resulting in a painful condition called dry socket. Dry socket delays healing and causes excruciating pain.

2. Increased Bleeding: Smoking can aggravate bleeding from the extraction site by interfering with blood clot formation.

3. Impaired Healing: The chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, impair the healing process by decreasing oxygen supply to the extraction site.

4. Risk of Infection: Smoking compromises the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infections after tooth extraction.

5. Slower Tissue Repair: Smoking affects the migration of fibroblasts and formation of new blood vessels, leading to slower tissue repair at the extraction site.

Therefore, it is strongly advised to refrain from smoking for at least 48 hours, or ideally during the entire healing period after tooth extraction, to minimize complications and promote optimal healing.