Have you recently had a tooth extraction? Looking to smoke some weed for the pain? Just hold on a second, there are a few things you should know about using cannabis after having a tooth pulled.
Smoking Weed after a Tooth Extraction
Unfortunately, there are several problems that can arise if you smoke a blunt right after getting a tooth pulled. The main thing you have to avoid is Dry Socket.
Alveolar osteitis, more commonly referred to as Dry Socket, is a painful dental condition that can occur after the removal of an adult tooth. It is the result of the blood clot in the cavity becoming dislodged before the wound has a chance to heal. This leaves both bone and nerves exposed, resulting in horrendous pain. Dry Socket can also lead to further complications such as infection and gum disease.
Got your attention now? Good.
So, what has smoking a J got to do with Dry Socket?
Primarily, it is the sucking action during the inhale that causes the issue. As you suck on anything, be it a joint, bong, or straw, a negative pressure is created inside your mouth. This negative pressure can actively pull both stitches and the clot out of location, inducing a Dry Socket.
Important to note, there would be a lot of blood at this point. Many veins and arteries in the mouth can bleed profusely if disturbed, so unless you want red bong water – put it down for now.
But wait, there’s more! The dreaded cotton mouth we all know and love (not really) can also have an adverse effect on blood clots. When the mouth is not adequately hydrated it can become a haven for an increased number of bacteria, which is the last thing you need with an open wound in your gums. A dry mouth can lead to Dry Socket, so make sure to drink plenty of cold water.
When Can I Smoke after a Tooth Extraction?
Most experts suggest waiting between 48-72 hours before smoking (and even longer if possible) after having a tooth removed. If you want your mouth to heal in the quickest and cleanest way try and abstain from smoking for at least five days. Painful to hear, but this will let the blood clot fully form and allow the gums to begin the healing process around the cavity.
Benefits of Cannabis after a Tooth Extraction
After undergoing a tooth extraction, powerful painkillers will be prescribed by your doctor. But these pain medications usually derive from opium, which has been known to cause adverse side effects. It is also known to be highly addictive, causing a reliance to develop after the medication is no longer required. These aren’t for everyone; many people opt to self-medicate with more natural forms of pain relief, like our old friend marijuana.
Weed has been used for centuries as an alternative medicine in many cultures across the world, and only recently have we begun to unravel the mystery behind this miracle plant. Cannabis is well known for its pain relief and anti-inflammatory qualities, thanks to two cannabinoids in particular – THC and CBD.
Pain Relief
Tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, is the component of cannabis that gets you “high.” It relaxes your entire body and can drastically help take your mind off the pain and swelling.
After inhaling or ingesting THC, the brain’s cannabinoid receptors become stimulated which triggers the brain’s “reward system” reducing pain levels. The nerves that detect pain (peripheral nerves) possess copious amounts of cannabinoid receptors. This implies that cannabinoids have the ability to block nerve pain.
Decrease in Inflammation
After getting a tooth pulled the main source of pain comes from the swelling and inflammation surrounding the cavity. Luckily, CBD oil is renowned for its anti-inflammatory qualities which can significantly help anybody that has recently undergone tooth extraction.
But don’t take our word for it, what does the research say?
Research conducted back in 2016 determined that cancer patients opting to use marijuana displayed 64% less opioid use.
What’s more, a study of 17,000 people concluded that 70% of the group reported feeling less pain and had an improvement in their general well-being after medically using marijuana.
Smokeless Cannabis: Other Ways to Consume Cannabis
So, what should you do to reap the benefits that marijuana has to offer when smoking is not an option? Lucky for you, our online dispensary offers many alternative ways to consume cannabis:
- Edibles
- Oil Tinctures
- Lotions & Topical Application
- Pills, Capsules & Tablets
- Vaping (use with caution!)
Edibles
One of the best options to consume cannabis after a tooth extraction is edibles. Edibles are available in a multitude of shapes and potency, allowing you to get them in any style you want. These range from gummies and candies, chocolate, beverages, and even honey!
In some dental procedures, mainly wisdom tooth removal, your wound may be sewn shut. If this is the case, a small gummy is certainly a possibility for pain relief or to reduce swelling. If you have open wounds however and solid foods are not an option, perhaps go for one of our cannabis-infused beverages instead.
It is especially important to remember to rinse your mouth after eating to prevent food particles from becoming lodged in your wound which can lead to infection.
Has this tickled your tastebuds? See our full collection of edibles here.
Oil Tinctures
Another fantastic way to get your much-needed dose of THC or CBD is to use oil tinctures. Cannabis oil tinctures are solutions made from cannabis extract and alcohol. These concentrates come in glass bottles with a pipette dropper.
This is a wonderful solution after getting a tooth pulled as there is no possibility of any complications arising. Simply place drops under your tongue where the cannabinoids will be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, providing almost instant relief! You can also add the oil to any beverage of your choice if you prefer.
Additionally, oil tinctures allow you to have complete control over the dosage – have as much or little as you need to make you feel comfortable again.
You can find an extensive range of our oil tinctures and concentrates in stock today.
Lotions & Topical Applications
CBD infused creams are an alternative method currently breaking into the market. These topical ointments can be used to treat acute pain as well as sore muscles. Created by infusing high-quality cannabis with natural oils and further blending with other healing herbs, making a 100% natural and safe ointment for personal use.
You can find our full range of creams and ointments that we offer here.
Pills, Capsules & Tablets
Cannabis pills are another great option for those recovering from oral surgery. While not as fast hitting as the oils, the use of CBD capsules is certainly one of the easiest ways to monitor dosage. With our 100% vegan and organically derived products, they are accessible to everyone.
You can find the full range of pills and capsules here.
Vaping
While vaping is a discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis, it is not recommended after getting a tooth pulled as the sucking action is still required, so can lead to the aforementioned Dry Socket.
Nevertheless, if you have no other option, try to do extremely light tokes. But if possible, try and steer clear of vapes as well as smoking for a while.
For future use, our full range of cannabis vaporizers is located here.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q: Can you smoke when you get a tooth pulled?
- To avoid any further complications after a tooth extraction, refrain from smoking anything for an extended period. This includes both cigarettes and cannabis.
Q: How long do I have to wait before smoking after tooth extraction?
- Most experts recommend waiting 72 hours before smoking after having a tooth pulled, and even longer if possible.
Q: Is it OK to smoke 72 hours after tooth extraction?
- While this is the recommended period, there is still a possibility of the clot becoming dislodged from smoking. If possible, wait longer or just be careful and take lighter tokes than usual.
Q: What happens if you smoke before an oral surgery?
- This is something you must avoid. Marijuana can cause complications to arise during surgery due to the way cannabis reacts with anesthesia, and therefore should be avoided in the days prior to the procedure.
A Final Word
From helping post-operation anxiety to medicinal pain relief, cannabis is able to provide many benefits that can be a lifesaver to those who have recently undergone tooth extraction. However, due to the dreaded Dry Socket and other complications that can arise from smoking, it is much wiser to opt for smokeless ways of ingesting cannabis.
Luckily, with cannabis legalization spreading across the globe these alternative methods are becoming readily available. Edibles, cannabis oils, or capsules are most likely the best option to turn to after oral surgery and will provide relief from the pain and swelling. Make sure to drink plenty of water while using cannabis, as it is important to keep your mouth hydrated to aid the healing process.
Our store, Kootenay Botanicals, is one of the best places to buy these alternative products while you recover.
We also have a vast range of Cannabis for sale in our weekly deals section when you are fully healed and ready to smoke again!
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