Does smoking after a tooth extraction cause a dry socket?

Question

Hello doctor,

Last week, I had a wisdom tooth removal surgery on the right side of my jaw. The first day I bled for about five hours and changed my gauze each hour till I went to sleep. It stopped bleeding during sleep, and everything was normal. I ate soft food after my tooth surgery.

I am concerned because I started smoking two hours after surgery, which I realized was a bad idea. After four days of surgery, I began having bad breath and a taste in my mouth. I am apprehensive as some of the symptoms are related to the dry socket, and I do not know if this is the case here.

My symptoms include the following:

1. Bad breath and taste.

2. Black spots on the tooth beside the extraction site.

3. An open wound with yellowish pus inside.

Also, there is mild pain in my front teeth when I am active, and it stops while lying down. Before surgery, I suffered from a cold and I am now sneezing.

Please tell me if it is a dry socket or not. Should I visit my oral surgeon to get it checked?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

From the image attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), your history does tend to indicate dry socket condition. Smoking should be avoided post-surgery for at least four days to a week. The symptoms you have listed indicate that it is a dry socket.

I suggest you revisit the dentist and get the wound cleaned, debrided, and dressed appropriately. Meanwhile, maintain good oral hygiene. Also, after treating the dry socket, strictly employ all the preventive measures of extraction.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.