Post-Tooth Extraction Smoking: Risks & Recovery Timeline

You should not smoke at all after having teeth pulled. Smoking can cause serious complications, such as:

- Dry socket: This is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot in the empty tooth socket dissolves too soon, leaving the bone and nerves exposed.

- Delayed healing: Smoking can slow down the healing process, making it take longer for your gums to fully heal.

- Infection: Smoking can increase your risk of developing an infection in the empty tooth socket.

- Jaw problems: Smoking can damage the jawbone and lead to problems with chewing and speaking.

It is important to follow your dentist's instructions and avoid smoking for at least 24 hours after having teeth pulled. If you are a regular smoker, you may want to consider quitting altogether to avoid these complications.