A Guide to Smoking Weed After Wisdom Teeth Removal
So, you’ve just had your wisdom teeth yanked out. Ouch! As you recover from this common but unpleasant dental surgery, you may be wondering: how soon can I smoke weed again? While your stoner instincts might be crying out for a healing toke, it’s crucial to understand the risks of smoking too soon after an extraction. Let’s dive into the hazy details of toking up post-tooth pull.
Why Wisdom Teeth Need to Vacate Your Mouth
Wisdom teeth, those late-blooming third molars, don’t always play nice with the rest of your pearly whites. They often need to be removed because:
- They’re impacted (stuck in the jaw)
- They come in at a funky angle
- Your mouth is too crowded
- They’re prone to cavities or gum disease
Extracting these troublesome teeth is a rite of passage for many in their late teens or early twenties. But what does this mean for your weed habit?
Pre-Op Prep: Smoking Weed Before Wisdom Teeth Removal
While most of the focus is on post-surgery smoking, it’s also worth considering your cannabis habits leading up to your wisdom tooth removal. Some dentists recommend abstaining from smoking weed (and cigarettes) for at least 48 hours before your procedure. Why? Smoking can increase the risk of complications during and after surgery by:
- Decreasing blood oxygen levels
- Increasing blood pressure and heart rate
- Interfering with anesthesia and pain medications
- Delaying wound healing
If you’re a heavy smoker, quitting cold turkey right before surgery might not be realistic. However, cutting back on your consumption and giving your lungs a break can help optimize your body for the upcoming procedure. Be honest with your dentist about your smoking habits so they can provide personalized recommendations and adjust your anesthesia accordingly.
The Risks of Ripping Bongs Post-Extraction
As tempting as it may be to blaze up after your surgery, dentists are pretty much unanimous: step away from the bong, at least for a little while. Smoking weed too soon can lead to some gnarly complications:
|
Complication |
Cause |
Symptoms |
|
Dry socket |
Dislodging the blood clot |
Severe pain, bad breath |
|
Infection |
Bacteria entering the wound |
Fever, pus, swelling |
|
Delayed healing |
Reduced blood supply |
Prolonged pain, slow recovery |
Trust us, a case of dry socket is a surefire way to harsh your mellow. This painful condition occurs when the protective blood clot gets dislodged, exposing the sensitive nerves underneath. Smoking can increase the risk of dry socket by:
- Creating suction in the mouth
- Introducing debris into the wound
- Reducing blood supply to the area
Just say no to cotton mouth and yes to a cozy blood clot, at least for a few days.
When Is It Safe to Smoke Weed After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
So how long do you need to press pause on puffing? While everyone heals at their own pace, dentists generally recommend waiting at least 48 to 72 hours before smoking weed (or anything else). This gives your gums time to start healing and reduces the risk of complications.
Some smokers may want to wait even longer, up to a week or more, to be on the safe side. Listen to your body (and your dentist) and don’t rush back into toking if you’re still feeling tender.
Exploring Alternative Methods of Cannabis Consumption During Recovery
We get it, going cold turkey on cannabis can be a bummer, especially when you’re dealing with post-surgery discomfort. Luckily, there are ways to enjoy the benefits of weed without risk of dry socket:
- Edibles: Pop a gummy or nibble on an infused brownie to get your buzz on without bothering your extraction sites.
- Tinctures: A couple drops under the tongue can provide relief without all the sucking and puffing.
- Topicals: Creams, balms, and patches can deliver localized pain-relief right where you need it (just avoid applying directly on the wound).
Of course, it’s always wise to check with your dentist or doctor before using any cannabis products while recovering from surgery.
Tips for a Smoother Recovery
In addition to laying off the weed for a bit, there are plenty of things you can do to help speed up healing and avoid complications after wisdom tooth removal:
- Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities
- Stick to soft, bland foods and avoid anything crunchy, hot, or spicy
- Don’t use straws or spit forcefully
- Gently rinse with salt water a few times a day
- Brush carefully around the extraction sites
- Take pain meds and antibiotics as directed by your dentist
- Ice your face to reduce swelling
- Kick cigarettes to the curb too!
Most folks bounce back from wisdom tooth surgery just fine, but always contact your dentist if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, fever, or other unusual symptoms.
The Bottom Line on Bud After Extractions
Getting your wisdom teeth out is no picnic, but with a little R&R and TLC (and maybe some THC), you’ll be back to your regular toking routine before you know it. Just remember to give your gums a little break from smoking in those first crucial days to avoid painful pitfalls like dry socket.
