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

Answer 1

I did a lot of research on this and found many different answers all over the net. They ranged from 2 days to 2 weeks. One site I found even suggested that you use the extraction as an excuse to quit smoking all together. But if that is not an option for you, the general consensus was that you should wait a bare minimum of 48 hours after the extraction before having a cigarette. The longer you wait to have one seems to be directly related to your individual healing time. The chemicals they contain and even the sucking action performed may cause damage to the blood clot which is forming in the place where your tooth used to be. If you loose this blood clot you might get something called dry socket which is extremely painful and to be avoided if at all possible. Evidently the first 24 to 48 hours after the tooth is removed is the most crucial in your mouths recovery. The blood clot needs to be protected. Also NO HOT FOODS OR DRINKS for the first 24 hours. NO SNEEZING with your mouth open. NO SPITTING or RINSING for the first day, as this may dislodge the clot. On the second day start gently rinsing with salt water 3 to 5 times a day. Avoid crunchy food.

Answer 2

It is recommended to wait at least 48 hours after tooth extraction before smoking primarily because the inhaling of smoke significantly increases the risk of 'dry socket'.

Dry socket is a post-operative complication where the blood clot in the extraction site is lost prematurely and the bone of the jaw is exposed to the outside environment. It is an extremely painful condition, but it is easily treated by the dentist as soon as he/she is available.