Can you drink alcohol the night before wisdom teeth surgery

ALCOHOL

Can you drink alcohol the night before wisdom teeth surgery

Having a tooth extracted or implant placed is an experience no one really looks forward to, especially during the summertime when people are having barbecues, parties and celebrations, all of which typically have alcohol in the mix. A common question we get is how long one should wait to have an alcoholic beverage after having had oral surgery done. It is recommended to wait at least 48 hours before resuming alcohol consumption. After surgery, especially for the first 24 hours, it is advised that you take this opportunity to relax and recover. If you’ve just had an extraction done, especially wisdom teeth, resting will help you develop blood clots thoroughly, allowing the bleeding to stop and preventing dry sockets from occurring.

Additionally, you will more than likely be prescribed pain medications after your oral surgery treatment. This could be in the form of Norco, Percocet, Vicodin, Tylenol with Codeine or ibuprofen. Consuming beer, wine, or spirits while under the influence of pain medications can be very dangerous and can result in liver failure, impaired motor function, dizziness and overdose.

To avoid any problems during the recovery process, whether it be the surgery sites healing properly or your overall well-being, we strongly advise you to deter from drinking alcohol after oral surgery and once you have finished using your pain medications.

COFFEE

Can you drink alcohol the night before wisdom teeth surgery

Another beverage people ask about post-surgery is coffee – the beloved caffeine beverage many of us consume regularly to get through the week. Luckily for coffee lovers, you are able to have coffee after your surgery, but we advise you to go w/ cold brew for the first 24 hours. We recommend waiting at least 48 hours before consuming it at a hot temperature, but it all depends on how you’re feeling.

Why? As mentioned above, right after any oral surgery involving extractions, the site that was treated will need to clot. Having anything aside from cool foods and beverages the first day will agitate the area and prevent it from healing properly.

ACIDIC DRINKS

Having beverages high in citric acid such as lemonade and orange juice after oral surgery is like squirting lemon juice on an open wound on your hand – NOT FUN. The extraction and implant sites can be irritated and could lead to infection. Definitely avoid consuming these types of drinks for about a week.

SO WHAT CAN I DRINK?

Can you drink alcohol the night before wisdom teeth surgery

You’re probably thinking that you can’t have anything to drink besides water and that oral surgery has taken all the fun out of your summer. Don’t fret! There are plenty of delicious beverage alternatives you can have during your recovery period. Just to name a few:

  • Apple juice
  • Sprite / 7-Up
  • Ginger Ale
  • Smoothies (without fruits that contain a lot of seeds like strawberries and raspberries)
  • Gatorade / Powerade
  • Milk (for more flavor, add chocolate or strawberry syrup)

We recently started using Mio Liquid Water Enhancers in our office to add a little bit of flavor to our water (Crystal Light and Dasani also have a similar product)  and we love it! You can find them at the grocery store in the beverage section (and no, we are not sponsored by them – we’re just a fan of the product).

If you plan on getting your wisdom teeth removed in 2021 and would like to know more about the post operation procedures, read the information below or feel free to contact us. We have performed thousands of dental procedures and can make certain you recover in the proper manner.

Wisdom teeth, which are considered your permanent “third molars,” typically develop between the ages of 17 and 21. These are the last of your permanent teeth to grow in the mouth and are meant to be for chewing. However, many people can get along just fine without wisdom teeth since there are eight other molars in the mouth that are meant for “chewing”.

Unfortunately, wisdom teeth may be likely to cause problems for many individuals. A common issue with wisdom teeth is that they cause crowding in the mouth. Often times, the jaw is already quite full prior to any wisdom teeth coming in. If you are experiencing problems due to your wisdom teeth, it is recommended that you consult with a general dentist. A dentist will be able to evaluate your case and decide if you may need a referral for an oral surgeon. As the top Raleigh Emergency Dentist, you can be rest assured Dr. Brett Wells has your best interest in mind.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

If you find yourself experiencing pain from your wisdom teeth and have consulted with an oral surgeon, it is likely that they may have suggested wisdom teeth removal. This procedure is often done in a surgeon’s office and your experience of surgery and recovery depends heavily on the position of your wisdom teeth in the mouth. Following wisdom teeth removal it is very important to follow the post-operative procedures that are instructed.

Alcohol Consumption and Wisdom Teeth Removal

After wisdom teeth removal, it is extremely important that you take it easy for a few days. You should get proper rest, control any bleeding, drink liquids, avoid drinking from a straw and take your medication as prescribed. Following post-operative instructions can help to ensure that healing will occur efficiently.

You are expected for at least the initial 24 hours following your wisdom teeth removal to refrain from drinking any alcohol. In the event you drink alcohol before the initial 24 hours, this can cause post-operative bleeding, which will keep the proper blood clot from forming in the surgery site. In fact, the formation of a blood clot is crucial. If a blood clot is not formed properly in the surgery site excessive bleeding can occur. Additionally, a dry socket can likely result if a clot does not form or happens to be dislodged or misplaced out of the surgery site. Drinking alcohol or drinking through a straw can increase the chances of receiving dry socket.

In fact, dry socket is one of the most common complications of wisdom teeth removal. Typically, a dry socket can occur 3 to 5 days following surgery if a patient fails to follow proper instructions given by the dental professional. The socket will cause an ache or throbbing pain the gums or jaw and may intensify, similar to a toothache. It is possible for a foul smelling odor to occur in the empty socket and you may see exposed bone in the site as well. Our Midlothian, VA dentist friends have explained that dry sockets are one of the top concerns of their patients.

More importantly, you should not drink alcohol while on your pain medications. There are no exceptions to this. A combination of pain medication and alcohol can cause serious problems beyond just your mouth. You may make yourself more susceptible to falls or injury, impair driving or could even cause liver damage. Be sure to read the labels on your pain medications if you have doubts. If you have additional questions concerning alcohol and your wisdom teeth, call your dentist or surgeon.

If you are having any doubts, listen to your body. The body is capable of understanding what is most appropriate during any recovery following a surgery. If there is a party or special event that you wish to attend following your oral surgery and you are feeling up to participating, there is no harm in drinking sparkling water as opposed to an alcoholic beverage! It is also important to remember that moderation is essential when adding alcohol back in after you are fully recovered.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding wisdom teeth removal and alcohol or questions about wisdom teeth removal in general, we have the best Raleigh dentists available for you! At Wells Family Dental Group, we can provide professional insight to any questions you may have. Located in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, our staff is committed to help treating all of your dental needs. Please schedule your appointment with us today.

Can I drink alcohol day before wisdom teeth?

NO ALCOHOL for at least 24 hours before your surgery and NO RECREATIONAL DRUGS for at least 72 hours before your surgery. If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or upset bowels, please notify the office. If you take routine oral medications, please check with Dr.

Should you drink alcohol the night before wisdom tooth extraction?

Beverages that are not allowed to be consumed are alcohol, orange juice, milk, creamer, and other opaque drinks. Patients should avoid drinking all fluids within 6 hours of their surgery. If you are unsure about what can and cannot be consumed, please ask during your pre-op appointment.

Can you drink 24 hours before wisdom teeth removal?

You may not have anything to eat or drink (including water) for eight (8) hours prior to the appointment. No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery. The negative effects of tobacco last up to two weeks after smoking cessation.

How long can you drink before wisdom teeth removal?

Your dental surgeon will likely tell you to fast for eight to 12 hours before dental surgery, unless you're diabetic. That means no eating or drinking, not even water. Take any medications as you normally would, but try to only have a small sip of water.