If you are a smoker and are considering having wisdom teeth removed, it is important to be aware of the risk of developing dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket after surgery becomes dislodged or dissolves. This can lead to pain, infection, and delays in healing.
There are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing dry socket:
1. Quit smoking for at least two weeks before and after your surgery. This will give your body time to heal and reduce your risk of infection.
2. Use a straw when drinking liquids for the first few days after surgery. This will help avoid dislodging the blood clot.
3. Avoid using tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco, for at least two weeks after surgery. Tobacco use can delay healing and increase your risk of infection.
4. Eat soft foods and avoid hard or crunchy foods that could dislodge the blood clot. Stick to soups, stews, mashed potatoes, etc., for the first week or so after surgery.
5 Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated but avoid hot beverages until healing is well underway to prevent scalding any newly formed tissue around the extraction site