Treatment after surgery

Smoking not only has a damaging effect on the various tissues in the body, but also constricts the blood vessels due to the ingredients of the smoke. As a result, the blood supply to the tissues in the oral cavity is reduced and the healing of wounds is slowed down. Fewer cells are transported to the site of the wound for healing.

In general, smoking should be avoided as long as the wound healing is not yet complete. However, at least 24 hours should be waited before smoking again. The risk of infection of the wound in the mouth is greatly increased by smoking.

After a tooth extraction, alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours. It would even be better not to drink alcohol for two to four days after the operation. Alcohol increases the bleeding tendency and leads to impaired wound healing.

It dilates the blood vessels and thus increases the blood circulation. At the same time, it inhibits components of blood coagulation and thus reduces wound healing. There is an increased risk of bleeding.

Furthermore, alcohol inhibits the effect of antibiotics which are often prescribed after an operation. After pulling a tooth, one should wait until the local anesthesia of the treatment has worn off. Otherwise the risk of biting your tongue or lip while eating is too high.

Water or cooled tea is suitable for drinking during this time. Afterwards, normal, but digestible food may be eaten. However, care should be taken to ensure that it is not too hard and that the chewing muscles can be spared in the first few days.

Furthermore, dairy products should be avoided for a few days. The lactic acid bacteria can dissolve the primary plug that is formed during wound healing and thus lead to impaired wound healing. In order to prevent the blood pressure from rising and the wound healing from being disturbed, no sports should be done for about two to three days after the operation.

Any kind of sport or physical exertion increases the tendency to bleed and prolongs the healing time. The wound has a difficult time closing due to the increased blood pressure. Furthermore, there is a risk that the healing wound will break open due to the exertion during sports. Flying, at least the opposite has not yet been proven, has no negative influence on the wound caused by a tooth extraction. If it is a longer vacation, it should be considered whether to take an antibiotic as a precaution, which can be taken in case of complications.