What happens if you still smoke after a root tip resection? | Root tip resection and smoking

What happens if you still smoke after a root tip resection?

After a root tip resection, it is very important not to smoke, at least as long as the anesthetic is still effective. In general, it is strongly advised not to smoke until the wound has healed. In most cases this is about 2 weeks.

Smoking increases the risk of infections and inflammations two to six times and slows down the wound healing enormously. If smoking is still used after a root apex resection, the above-mentioned risk is increased and one exposes oneself to the risk of another serious infection, which can lead to tooth loss. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels and thus reduces the blood flow in the tissue. As a result, too few cells reach the wound via the blood and the wound cannot heal sufficiently. Furthermore, too few defence cells get there and inflammation and the associated symptoms such as increased pain, redness, swelling and warming can occur.

Summary

Smoking can not only lead to a root tip resection, but also impairs the healing process after such an operation. The many different ingredients lie like a layer on the fresh wound and can thus lead to wound healing disorders. After such an operation, smoking should be avoided for the time being until the wound has completely healed. In case of uncertainties and questions, it is best to contact the dentist in charge.