People tend to be happy about getting their tooth extractions over with, and this can make it tempting to enjoy a celebratory alcoholic beverage. However, alcohol is an acidic substance that can encourage inflammation and hinder the body’s healing process, so it’s best to wait until you have recovered sufficiently before enjoying a nice beer, wine, or cocktail. Here’s a quick look at how the tooth extraction process works and when it will be safe to enjoy a drink afterward.
How Does Tooth Extraction Work?
The tooth extraction process begins with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to ensure their comfort. Then, the dentist will use a device called an elevator to lift the targeted tooth from the gum tissue before gently working it loose with forceps. The patient will receive detailed aftercare instructions to help them enjoy a comfortable and complication-free recovery process.
Can I Have a Drink After My Tooth Extraction?
After your tooth extraction, a blood clot will form over the surgical site, and disturbing it will lead to a severely painful condition that increases the risk of infection called dry socket. Alcohol works as a blood thinner, which makes it more difficult for the body to build and maintain healthy blood clots. Since alcohol is acidic, it can also irritate the stressed gum tissue, which can make infection more likely. To prevent these issues, it’s important to abstain from alcohol until your mouth has sufficiently healed.
When Can I Have a Drink After Having a Tooth Removed?
Your dentist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that will say when it will be safe to enjoy a drink after your extraction, but the usual amount of time is about seven to ten days. This gives the wound the time it needs to heal and resolve inflammation, and it also helps ensure that the patient does not drink while taking any prescribed pain medication. While you are healing after your tooth extraction, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated and prevent accumulations of infection-causing debris within the mouth.
About the Practice
Kramer Dental offers the best oral health services in Selbyville. Led by Drs. Paul and James Kramer, the staff treats each patient with respect and courtesy while maintaining a warm and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include preventive, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dental services. If you suspect you need a tooth extraction, please contact the office online or dial (302) 436-5133.