Did you know that tooth extractions have an incredibly high success rate of 95% or more? That means you’re unlikely to develop complications once your problematic tooth is removed, if you follow your provider’s post-operative directions carefully.
These are intended to help your mouth heal quickly and effectively after your treatment while avoiding common adverse effects, such as dry socket, which can occur if the blood clot that forms at the site is injured or dislodged. For example, your dentist might ask you to abstain from drinking alcohol until your mouth has healed. Continue reading to learn why!
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
Although your dentist usually does everything they can to protect and preserve your natural teeth, there are some instances in which removing one is the best way to prevent additional harm. For example, if you have a severely decayed tooth that’s too injured to be mended with a filling or crown, extracting it can prevent cavities from spreading to neighboring teeth or affecting your jawbone.
To remove your tooth, your provider will first numb the area with a local anesthetic and/or provide sedation to help you feel comfortable the entire time. Then, for a simple extraction, they’ll gently lift your tooth out of the socket with a device called an elevator. This allows them to then grasp your tooth with forceps and wiggle it out of your mouth.
If you have a trapped or impacted tooth, you might require a surgical procedure, which involves creating an incision in your gums to access it. If you’re having a larger tooth, like a molar, removed, it may need to be broken into smaller pieces to avoid harming your jawbone.
Can I Drink Alcohol After My Procedure?
Many patients who enjoy a glass of wine or cool beer in the evening want nothing more than to head home after their procedure and relax with their favorite alcoholic beverage. However, your dentist is likely going to ask that you avoid it until your mouth has recovered.
This is because alcohol functions as a blood-thinner, which impairs your body’s ability to form a blood clot to heal your gums at the extraction site. It is also usually highly acidic and contains plenty of sugar, which can further irritate your already-tender gums by attracting additional unhealthy bacteria that can cause infection.
How Long Must I Wait to Have an Alcoholic Drink?
Are you wondering how long you should wait before indulging in an alcoholic beverage? Many experts recommend waiting at least 72 hours after your procedure to allow your mouth to form a blood clot and start to heal. If you have a drink sooner than that, you might dislodge the clot, which can elongate your overall recovery timeline.
Not only that, but alcohol can also interfere with the efficacy of any pain medications you might take to mitigate discomfort following your appointment. Whether you’ve been given a prescription or are relying on store-bought options, alcohol can potentially contribute to the development of side effects like dizziness, impaired motor function, or in severe cases, other medical concerns, such as liver damage.
Your dentist can provide more detailed instructions for you to follow that takes your unique circumstances into account!
About the Practice
At Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall, patients benefit from two providers eager to help families build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. Dr. Spillman and Dr. Nguyen collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including extractions, to meet all your needs under one roof. They also offer multiple options for sedation to help you remain comfortable throughout your procedure. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 945-0887.