When Can You Vape After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom tooth removal is a major surgery and the recovery process can be long and uncomfortable.

As any form of smoking, vaping can delay healing and put your overall health at risk.

The question is, what is the best time frame to start vaping after wisdom tooth removal and how can you do it safely?

In this article, we will answer your questions and get to the bottom of it.

What Are The Risks of wisdom tooth removal?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to grow in the mouth and are the least needed by most adults.

Many people don’t even have space in their jaw for them to grow in correctly and they end up growing in at uncomfortable angles or pressing against other teeth. Because of this, wisdom teeth often need to be removed.

After you have had your wisdom teeth removed it is important to follow all instructions from your dentist precisely so that you can ensure you heal properly and avoid any complications from developing. This includes:

• Taking any medications prescribed.
• Avoiding eating hard or tough foods.
• Cleaning your mouth with antiseptic solutions as suggested by your dentist for a few days after surgery.

It is generally advisable not to vape post-surgery due to possible irritation caused by smoke inhalation, which could damage the healing tissue and slow down recovery time significantly.

We will go into this in further detail below.

Risks of Vaping After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Vaping after wisdom tooth removal can put you at risk for possible complications.

The most common side effect of vaping after wisdom tooth removal is dry socket, which is caused by a wound becoming exposed, exposing the underlying bone and nerves in the jaw area.

Other possible complications such as infection, swelling, delayed healing time, and canker sore-like symptoms are also possible when vaping shortly after wisdom tooth removal.

Read Also: How to Treat Mouth Sores from Vaping

Additionally, some people experience a burning sensation in the mouth even if they wait more than 24 hours to vape again.

The chemicals in e-cigarette vapor can irritate surrounding tissue and slow the healing process, delaying recovery time. This can leave you vulnerable to other problems such as irritation of the gums or palate or an altered taste or smell in your mouth.

For that reason alone it’s best to not vape until several days (72 hours) after your procedure – at least for as long as your doctor or dentist recommends.

Finally, nicotine itself is believed to slow wound healing and postpone full recovery from surgery because it constricts blood vessels reducing essential blood flow to tissues that need it for repair and growth.

Not only will this make recovery more painful but it could contribute to poor wound healing – leaving the area open longer to further risk of dry socket or infection – so be sure you know what’s in that vapor before you fill your tank!

Risk of infection

Vaping after wisdom tooth removal carries the risk of infection. After removing teeth, you want to keep the wound clean and free from infection.

Vaping exposes you to multiple chemicals, including propylene glycol, glycerin and flavorings.

These can lead to an infection at the extraction site or a more serious complication such as an abscess and other infections in other parts of your body.

Risk of dry socket

One of the most serious risks associated with vaping after wisdom teeth removal is the increased likelihood of suffering from dry socket. This is a condition in which the socket, or hole, left by a missing tooth fails to heal properly.

Dry socket often occurs in the first few days after extraction and its symptoms include an extreme throbbing pain and an odor or bad taste coming from the area where the tooth was extracted.

If a person has recently removed their wisdom teeth and experiences any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention.

How Long Should You Wait to Vape After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

When you’re undergoing wisdom tooth removal, it is important to allow your mouth and the extraction site sufficient time to heal.

Depending on the procedure, this healing process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

In general, you should wait at least 24-72 hours after surgery before engaging in any activity that increases blood flow in the area, such as vaping.

Doctors typically recommend refraining from activities like smoking or vaping for at least one week after wisdom tooth removal because these activities put your mouth at an increased risk of infection due to rapid healing.

During that time, keep your mouth as clean as possible by gently cleaning the affected area twice a day with an antimicrobial rinse and propping yourself up in bed instead of laying flat on your back.

This helps reduce swelling and encourages blood flow throughout the area while keeping it away from bacteria that could interfere with healing.

Keeping your mouth free of irritants helps ensure optimal recovery after wisdom tooth removal and allows you to return quickly and safely to all of your favorite activities – such as vaping – without further concerns over long-term risks or potential health problems associated with inadequate healing.

Tips for Vaping After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Maintain good oral hygiene

It’s important to take good care of your teeth and mouth while your teeth are healing after wisdom tooth removal.

Your dentist will give you specific instructions as to how best care for your mouth, but generally it is recommended that you keep up a regular hygiene routine so that you can prevent any further dental issues.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and an approved fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to use gentle strokes and avoid be too abrasive.
• Floss gently at least once a day, focusing on the spaces between your teeth and around the extraction site (the area where the wisdom tooth has been removed).
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash like chlorhexidine or an alcohol-free antiseptic rinse for extra protection against bacteria.
• Avoid nicotine products such as vape pens, cigarettes and chewing tobacco as they can irritate the healing wound site and delay its recovery.

These steps can help your mouth heal quickly so it can be ready for vaping again in no time!

Avoid Vaping Before Bed

It is important to note that vaping before bed can increase the risk of dry socket, especially for those who have recently had their wisdom teeth removed. Dry socket occurs when a blood clot does not form in the tooth socket after a tooth extraction, which can lead to increased pain, inflammation, and bone exposure.

To help minimize your risk of developing dry socket, plan ahead and avoid vaping shortly before going to bed.

Additionally, it is wise to avoid taking deep or forceful inhalations from the vape device when trying to avoid dry socket. These deeper inhalations create more suction in your mouth that can pull out any healing clots in the wound created by wisdom tooth extraction.

Taking short and steady puffs over an extended period of time will also help to spread out any suction effect caused more drastically by one deep inhale.

Summary of key points

Any activity that could cause bleeding or irritation, such as using a straw, smoking, or vaping should be avoided for at least two weeks after surgery.

If there are no signs of swelling or infection several days post-operatively and there is no discomfort when swallowing saliva, then it may be okay to begin vaping again.

It is still recommended that caution is taken during the healing process and to avoid any activity which may increase the risk of infection or irritation.

In order to ensure a safe and successful recovery after wisdom teeth removal surgery, it is important to:

• Follow the dentist’s advice.
• Use common sense.
• Be aware of how long until you can vape safely.

READ MORE: Vape Laws & Restrictions in the USA

The video above discusses whether it is safe to vape after wisdom teeth removal. The recommended waiting period before smoking or vaping is 48 hours to prevent complications such as dry socket, pain, infection, and delayed healing.

To prevent dry socket, it is recommended to wait at least 72 hours before vaping, inhale slowly, and avoid using nicotine gum or chewing tobacco.

Ultimately, it is best to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon for personalized advice on when it is safe to resume vaping after wisdom teeth removal.

Frequently Asked Questions