If you’ve recently had your wisdom teeth operated on, you might wonder if it’s safe to vape afterward. That is an important question, as vaping after wisdom teeth removal could potentially cause serious health problems. This blog post will answer your inquiry: can you vape after wisdom teeth removal, discuss the risks of vaping after wisdom teeth removal, and offer tips on staying safe?
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What Are Wisdom Teeth, And What Do They Do In Our Mouths?
Wisdom teeth are the 3rd and final set of molars we get in our late teens or early twenties. They got their name because they usually come in much later than the other teeth – when people are considered “wise.”
Wisdom teeth can cause problems, however, if they don’t have enough room to grow in (impacted wisdom teeth). If this happens, they may become trapped under the gum tissue or even grow at an angle into the second molar. That can cause pain, crowding, and damage to other teeth.
A dentist or oral surgeon usually needs to remove impacted wisdom teeth. Even if they remain unimpacted, some people choose to have their wisdom teeth removed for preventive reasons. While wisdom teeth are not technically necessary for chewing or speaking, they can help to add support to the back of the mouth and can aid in breaking down food. So while they may cause some problems, wisdom teeth can also play an essential role in oral health.
What Is The Process Of Wisdom Teeth Removal Like?
Assuming you are a candidate for wisdom teeth removal, the process is generally as follows:
- First, you will have a consultation with an oral surgeon. During this appointment, the surgeon will examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine if your wisdom teeth need removal. If so, the surgeon will go over the risks and benefits of the process with you and answer any questions you may have.
- Next, you will schedule a date for the surgery. On the day of the operation, you will need general anesthesia to prevent pain during the surgery. The surgeon will perform small incisions in your gums to access your wisdom teeth. Once the teeth get extracted, the incisions will be stitched closed.
- After the surgery, they will take you to a recovery room, where the dentist will closely monitor you. Once the anesthesia wears off, you will be able to go home. It is essential to rest and avoid strenuous activity for nearly 24 hours after the procedure. You should also drink plenty of fluids and eat soft foods while your mouth heals.
Most people recover from wisdom teeth surgery without any complications. However, it is not unusual to experience some swelling, bruising, and pain after the surgery. These symptoms should subside within a week or two. If they do not, or if you experience other problems, contact your oral surgeon.
Can You Vape After Wisdom Teeth Removal If You Feel Anxious Or Uncomfortable?
After removing your wisdom teeth, you may feel anxious or uncomfortable. Many people find that vaping can help to ease these feelings. However, it is essential to consult your doctor before vaping after surgery. They will advise you on the best way to vape without damaging your healing gums or putting yourself at risk of infection. If you follow your doctor’s advice and take things slowly, vaping can be a possible way to help you relax after wisdom teeth removal. The key is to consider things slow and start with small puffs also consider how many puffs you should take. You should also avoid using flavored e-liquids, as these can irritate.
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Risks of Vaping After Wisdom Teeth Removal
The primary risk associated with vaping after wisdom teeth removal is infection. As with any surgical procedure, the area around your teeth and gums can become infected if exposed to bacteria or other contaminants in e-juice or vapor. Additionally, vaping can dry out the mouth and reduce saliva production, increasing the risk of infection.
Another potential risk is that of a dry socket. A dry socket will occur when a blood clot fails to form in the extraction site, resulting in exposed bone and nerve endings that can become irritated by e-liquid or vapor. If you experience pain or discomfort when vaping after wisdom teeth removal, it might signal that you have developed a dry socket and should seek medical attention immediately.
Finally, certain ingredients in e-juice or vapor could negatively affect healing after wisdom teeth removal. These ingredients include nicotine, propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), and flavorings, potentially irritating the wound site and delaying healing time.
Tips for Vaping After Wisdom Teeth Removal
If you decide to vape after wisdom teeth removal, there are a few considerations to ensure your safety:
- Avoid using high nicotine strengths – Nicotine at high concentrations can irritate the wound site and slow healing time. Consider opting for an e-liquid with a lower nicotine strength (3mg/ml or less) until your mouth has healed completely.
- Reduce PG/VG ratios – The PG/VG ratio of an e-liquid affects its viscosity (or thickness). Higher PG/VG ratios may cause discomfort due to increased throat hit and potentially irritate the wound site. Consider reducing your PG/VG ratio until your mouth has healed completely.
- Limit flavorings – Certain flavorings used in e-liquids may contain additional chemicals that could irritate the wound site and slow healing time. Consider limiting flavoring until your mouth has healed, or opt for unflavored juices instead.
- Monitor symptoms – Pay close attention to any changes in pain or discomfort while vaping after wisdom teeth removal – any worsening symptoms may indicate infection or dry socket and should be brought up with your doctor as soon as possible!
Bottom line
It’s best to err on caution when vaping after wisdom teeth removal – unless cleared explicitly by your dentist or doctor first! That said, if you do decide to vape during recovery, there are steps you can take to reduce risk, such as lowering nicotine strength, reducing PG/VG ratios, limiting flavor use, monitoring symptoms for changes in pain/discomfort, etc. ultimately though it’s best practice not to start vaping again until fully recovered from surgery!
