Can I Drink Alcohol After a Tooth Extraction?

Dentists strive to preserve every tooth because each one is influential in your dental health and overall wellness. However, extractions are best for some patients. If your dentist recommends tooth removal, you can expect a brief recovery. Your dentist will give you specific aftercare instructions, like not drinking alcohol. Even one alcoholic beverage can complicate your recovery. Here’s why it’s best to stick to drinking water.

Types of Tooth Extractions

There are two types of tooth extractions that are used. Depending on your situation, you may require:

• Simple Extraction: If a tooth is fully visible above the gums, a simple extraction is all that’s needed. Your dentist will loosen the tooth and extract it with forceps.
• Surgical Extraction: Surgical extraction is needed when a tooth is partially or fully underneath the gum tissue, such as with an impaction. An oral surgeon opens your gum tissue to gain access to the tooth before removing it in smaller pieces. Your gums are sutured closed to allow proper healing.

Alcohol and Tooth Extractions

If you enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner or drinking a beer after a long day at work, it’s best to wait to have a drink if you’ve had a tooth extraction recently. A blood clot will form at the extraction site, which must remain in place for proper healing. It can take a week or two for granulation tissue to form to replace the blood clot. 

If the clot is lost too soon, it causes a dry socket. This is a painful condition that will complicate your recovery. Alcohol can increase your risk of a dry socket. Alcohol is also known to delay healing and increase your risk of infections. 

Not to mention, your dentist may prescribe pain relievers to keep you comfortable during your recovery. Pain medications, including those available over-the-counter, can have dangerous complications when mixed with alcohol. 

Your dentist will recommend avoiding alcohol for 7-10 days after an extraction. Instead, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which promotes better healing. In addition, do not drink using a straw. Suction can dislodge the blood clot prematurely. 

Although you might have to skip alcohol for a week or two, it’s a small sacrifice to ensure your mouth heals without any issues.

About Dr. Aaron Springhetti

Dr. Springhetti earned his dental degree at the Louisville School of Dentistry and has continued his education in various specialties, including oral surgery, extractions, bone grafting, and dental implants. He is a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Request an appointment through his website or call his office at (317) 886-1304.