Your dentist usually does everything they can to repair any damage to your natural teeth to preserve them. However, if you have a tooth that’s too severely injured to be mended, they might have no choice but to extract and replace it.
Then, you must care for your mouth correctly after your procedure so it can form a blood clot to protect the recently exposed nerves and bone tissues. Otherwise, you might develop a painful complication, dry socket. Many patients wonder if it’s okay to drink alcohol after their treatment, but it’s not usually recommended. Continue reading to learn why!
How Long Does Tooth Extraction Recovery Take?
It’s natural to wonder how long it usually takes to fully heal after having a problematic tooth extracted. Many patients can resume most of their usual activities the day after their procedure, but usually, you can expect to feel tender for a week or two.
The amount of time it takes to mend depends on your unique situation. For instance, those undergoing surgical removals to treat problematic wisdom teeth are likelier to need a couple of days off work to recoup than those undergoing a simple extraction. Your dentist can provide a more accurate estimate based on your individual circumstances.
How Does Alcohol Impact Tooth Extraction Recovery?
Your dentist will provide a comprehensive list of post-op instructions for you to follow after your appointment, several of which are intended to preserve the blood clot over the extraction site. Unfortunately, if it is damaged or dislodged, it can potentially add weeks to your overall recovery.
For example, they’ll likely suggest avoiding adult beverages because consuming them can impede healing. Alcohol thins your blood, making it harder for your mouth to form a clot. Plus, it can cause additional irritation to your already aching tissues. Finally, it also acts as a diuretic that dehydrates your body and reduces your immune response, significantly increasing the risk of infection.
How Long Must I Wait to Have a Drink?
Many people want to know how long they must wait before they can enjoy a glass of wine or cold beer with dinner. Generally, it’s safest to wait about 7 to 10 days to allow your connective tissues to form the clot so essential for recovery and mend sufficiently.
However, your dentist might want you to wait longer, depending on your circumstances. Following their orders is the best way to heal as quickly as possible without developing any adverse effects!
Meet the Author
Dr. Gwen Hooks takes pride in providing a comprehensive menu of services to help families in Altavista build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the Virginia Commonwealth University Dental School and is currently an active member of the American Dental Association and the Virginia Dental Association to further her knowledge and skills. She combines a caring approach with advanced technology to enhance patient comfort and deliver accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (434) 324-8241.