Your dentist is there to make sure that you don’t have any problems with your oral health throughout your life, but certain circumstances can call for a tooth to be extracted. One circumstance, for example, is when a wisdom tooth has to be removed or removing a damaged tooth so it doesn’t cause problems in the future.
Due to the recovery time needed after a tooth extractionThe process or act of removing a tooth or tooth parts., you may be tempted to have a drink of lager or wine to pass the time or after a long day, however, your dentist will advise a waiting period for drinking alcohol. If you consume alcohol before the recommended waiting period, it can lead to complications.
However, it’s worth understanding what a tooth extraction is and how long the procedure takes first before the risks are laid out.
What is a tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction or removal is carried out by a dentist when you have a tooth that’s damaged or decayed beyond the point where a fillingA lay term used for the restoring of lost tooth structure by using materials such as metal, alloy, or porcelain. or a crownSimple crown procedure utilizing a porcelain crown fused to non-precious metal and not involving complicated prep. wouldn’t save it.
Tooth extraction is typically a last resort for a dentist, but before agreeing to carry out a tooth removal procedure, your dentist will go through any other options that there might be.
A tooth may be extracted for the following reasons:
● Severe tooth decayThe lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure.
● Periodontal diseaseInflammatory process of the gingival tissues and/or periodontal membrane of the teeth, resulting in an abnormally deep gingival sulcus, possibly producing periodontal pockets and loss of supporting al (also known as gum disease)
● A tooth that cannot be repaired
● Abscesses located on your teeth or gums
● Crowded teeth
● Impacted wisdom teeth
Read more about the tooth extraction procedure such as how long it takes
The risks of drinking alcohol after tooth extraction
After the problem-causing tooth is removed, your blood will clot where the tooth was, this allows granulation tissue in your gums to form in order to heal the extraction site. This process takes about 1-2 weeks, but complete healing might take around 3 months.
If the clot is dislodged too soon, it can lead to a severe condition called dry socket, which will slow down your recovery and make it quite painful. Drinking alcohol can dislodge the clot, and smoking can also damage the clot.
Your dentist will usually advise to not drink alcohol for 7 to 10 days after the extraction to allow good healing of the site and will also recommend staying hydrated with water in order to aid the healing process for your body. If you’re taking pain medications, you also shouldn’t drink because of the complications it can cause.
Wait until after you’ve finished your prescription before drinking.