If you’re about to remove your wisdom teeth or have just completed the procedure, you may wonder when you can start smoking weed again. Here’s what you need to know about smoking weed after wisdom teeth removal.
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Smoking Weed After Wisdom Teeth Removal: Is it Safe?
You may want to hold off on smoking weed immediately after removing your wisdom teeth.
Even though you may be in pain and need relief, introducing hot smoke to the area is not a great idea.
While it would probably be worse to smoke weed after a tonsillectomy than after wisdom teeth removal, it’s still not recommended.
According to Dr. David Berger, owner of Wholistic ReLeaf, and Dr. David, MD, smoking can be harsh for the area.
He continues, “There is probably a lower risk issue after wisdom tooth removal since a harsh hit will not directly irritate the back gums compared to how it can to the throat.”
However, besides irritation to the area, you may have to worry about having dry socket.
Medline Plus describes dry sockets as, “a complication of having a tooth pulled (tooth extraction). The socket is the hole in the bone where the tooth used to be. After a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the socket. This protects the bone and nerves underneath as it heals.”
Dry socket not only hurts but further delays your healing.
Pearl Shine Dental says you should wait 24-72 hours after the procedure before you smoke weed due to the risk of developing dry socket.
Jackson Ave Dental says that marijuana may “ interfere with the coagulation cascade by preventing clot formation and platelet aggregation…..smoking weed can also mechanically dislodge the blood clot and that will result in bleeding as well.”
Besides dry sockets, smoking weed soon after having your wisdom teeth removed can cause other problems.
Marijuana may increase your risk of bleeding.
According to Ontario Dental Association, “Using cannabis can increase your risk of bleeding and cause complications for healing after your dental procedure.”
Can I Use Other Forms of Marijuana After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Another method such as taking a hit from a bong could eliminate the chance of irritation or reduce the chances of getting a dry socket. However, it’s still not recommended.
The compounds in weed, regardless of the method could still increase your risk of bleeding.
Therefore, if you’re looking for pain relief, the NHS recommends paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Don’t worry you’ll have your blunt back in no time.
Can I Smoke Cigarettes After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
Smoking cigarettes is also not recommended after your wisdom tooth removal.
Medline Plus says you’re at increased risk for dry socket if you use or smoke tobacco. That’s because it may delay healing.
They aren’t the only ones with that opinion.
Jackson Ave Dental also echoed similar sentiments.
“Smoking will constrict blood vessels and that constricts the amount of nutrients that can go to the extraction site. This delays healing because the socket is not receiving the proper supply of nutrients to repair the hole in your mouth after the tooth was removed.”
So, how long should you avoid smoking cigarettes?
Well the NHS suggests avoiding smoking for 24 hours while Jackson Ave Dental recommends waiting at least 72 hours.
You can also confirm with your dentist what the right timeframe should be for you.
Besides the risks already mentioned, smoking cigarettes is awful for your oral health and can lead to gum disease, staining, and cancer according to Jackson Ave Dental.
Smoking weed can also impact your oral health negatively.
That’s why it’s important to have regular checkups and cleaning with your dentist.
Besides weed and cigarettes, abstain from alcohol and hot liquids for a short time while you’re healing.
Can I Smoke Weed Before Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Smoking weed before wisdom teeth surgery is not recommended either.
As a matter of fact, smoking weed before any kind of surgery is a no-no.
That’s because weed can impact the amount of anesthetics you’ll need.
Ontario Dental Association says, “Please avoid consuming cannabis products before
your procedure. Your dentist may need to re-schedule your appointment for another time to ensure your safety.”
However, if you did use weed before your dental appointment, always let your dentist or doctor know.
Ontario Dental Association says “To ensure your safety, your dentist needs to know if you have taken any cannabis prior to your dental appointment.”
Takeaway
So, can you smoke weed after a wisdom teeth removal? No, you should wait at least 72 hours before smoking weed again. Smoking weed too soon after a wisdom tooth removal can increase your risk of bleeding and cause dry socket. While you may avoid dry sockets by using edibles or an alternate form of weed consumption however they don’t eliminate the risk of bleeding. Besides weed, avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and hot drinks. Be sure to follow the aftercare instructions given to you by your dentist.
