Vaping devices and e-cigarettes have evolved a lot from basic disposables and pen-style to the most innovative pod kits and box mods. Whether you are an experienced Vaper or just new to the game, there are always concerns about vaping. One of the most common concerns is ‘how to vape without getting a dry socket’.

If you want to know everything about a dry socket, its symptoms, and how to avoid it, keep reading… 

What is a Dry Socket?

A dry socket is a painful dental condition and may happen after tooth extraction. It is one of the most common complications of tooth removal. Sometimes a major procedure like wisdom tooth removal may cause a dry socket. It happens when the blood clot that covers the wound doesn’t fully form or dislodges.

When a tooth is extracted from the bone and gums, a blood clot forms. This blood clot protects the hole as it heals but when it does not form properly, it can create a dry socket. This condition can leave the bone and nerves in your gums exposed and it can be extremely painful. If left untreated, it may lead to several complications.

A dry socket can cause anything from mild pain to an intense throbbing pain or even a severe toothache. Therefore, it is important to do everything you need to do to avoid a dry socket or you may end up being in intense pain.

Signs of Dry Socket, When To Seek Help

Although it is normal to feel some pain or be uncomfortable after tooth extraction, any intense pain can be a red flag. If you are noticing the following symptoms, you may need to seek immediate help…

• Severe persistent, throbbing pain that may extend to your ear or eye on the same side.
• Loss of part or all of the blood clot from where the tooth is extracted.
• A slight fever within 2 to 4 days of the tooth extraction.
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth.
• A bad breath that doesn’t go away.
• Extreme pain in the temple and neck.

A dry socket typically causes steady, throbbing pain but if it is severe, don’t hesitate to call your dentist.

 How Does Vaping Cause a Dry Socket?

Using e-cigs or other vaping devices can lead to a dry socket. Vaping closely mimics the act of smoking tobacco cigarettes and when you draw on a vape, you create pressure in your mouth to create a suction. When you inhale through the mouthpiece, the suction could pull the forming clot from the socket, leading to a dry socket.

Vaping requires a sucking action and if you’ve undergone a tooth extraction recently, it can lead to a dry socket. Vaping after tooth extraction also increases the risk of other complications such as causing your blood vessels to expand, delaying the healing process by bringing more blood and oxygen to the affected area, and more.

Here’s how vaping can cause a dry socket…

• Reduced Blood Flow: Vaping narrows the blood vessels which means less blood flow throughout the body. This diminished blood supply can slow down the healing process as the area needing healing won’t get essential nutrients and oxygen.
• Increased Infection Risk: Due to reduced blood flow and the site exposed to bacteria, vapers are at a higher risk of developing infections. If you just had your tooth extracted and started to vape, the wound may get infected.
• Delayed Immune Response: Most vape liquids contain nicotine and other chemicals that may weaken the immune system. A weakened immune system means your body won’t be capable enough to fight against harmful bacteria.
• Damage the Gums: The heat from your vape pen can damage the gums as well as the surrounding tissue. The warmth from any vape device is enough to Irritate the sensitive area, making it prone to infection.
• Bacterial Contamination: Using a dirty vape pen can cause bacterial contamination especially when you just had your tooth extracted. Using a dirty device means you could be exposing the wound to harmful bacteria.

How to Vape Without Getting a Dry Socket?

Are you wondering how to vape without getting a dry socket? Well, for many vape users, this is one of the biggest concerns that others don’t need to consider

Here we’ve discussed some tips that you should consider to avoid getting a dry socket…

Understand Tooth Extraction and Dry Socket

The very first thing you should consider is to understand what a dry socket is and how it is formed. Though tooth extraction may seem a common dental procedure, it may take weeks to heal if a dry socket is formed. As a blood clot forms to promote healing at the site of the extracted tooth, vaping can disrupt its formation, increasing the risk of a dry socket.

Choose the Right Vaping Method

The way you vape can significantly impact the healing process if you have recently gone through an oral procedure. Therefore, it is important to choose the right vaping method to enjoy without getting a dry socket. Avoid pipes, cigars, edibles, etc, and go for high-quality vape pens as vaping produces less pressure and involves fewer toxins.

Know the Importance of Gauze and Rinsing

To protect the tooth extraction site and avoid getting dry sockets, use gauze and rinsing. You can place a piece of moist gauze over the site and create a barrier between the wound and the vape. To further avoid any complications, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water after vaping. Following these methods will minimize the risk of infection by reducing bacteria.

Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene before and after the tooth extraction. It will help in a smooth healing process and avoid infections. Brush your teeth gently while avoiding the area of the extraction site. Moreover, it is good to refrain from using mouthwash as some of them may contain allergic ingredients. Also, stay hydrated to keep your mouth moist.

Wait For 48 to 72 Hours After Tooth Extraction

If you can’t resist vaping, you should still wait for around 48 hours after your tooth extraction. This will give your body some time to set the blood clot in the socket. You should also consider speeding up the healing process by taking any antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. Most importantly, keep your vaping sessions limited as too much vaping can disrupt the healing process.

Precautions Before Vaping After Tooth Extraction

If you are a vaping enthusiast and don’t know how to vape without a dry socket, the following safety precautions might help…

• Avoid Suction: Do not draw too much suction after tooth extraction as this can create a vacuum-like effect and may lead to forming a dry socket.
• Start Slow: After waiting for at least 48 to 72 hours, you should start slow with a few short puffs and gradually work up to more puffs.
• Maintain Oral Hygiene: It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene to avoid any bacterial infection and speed up the healing process.
• Ask Your Doctor: If you can’t resist vaping after tooth extraction, ask your doctor about some safety tips and precautions.
• Change the Coils: If you are using an e-cigarette, it is important to keep it clean and change the coils to avoid too much suction for a hit. 

FAQs

How Long Should You Wait After Oral Procedure?

You should wait for at least 48 to 72 hours after tooth extraction to start vaping to avoid getting a dry socket.

How do I know if I have a dry socket?

You may experience symptoms like severe pain in the extracted site, an empty-looking socket, bad breath, bad taste, etc.

Is vaping safe after tooth extraction?

It is recommended to avoid vaping for a few days after tooth removal as you may have a dry socket and other complications.

Why is vaping harmful after oral procedures?

Vaping reduces blood flow and may also lead to dry sockets. 

Final Thoughts

Dental practitioners don’t recommend rushing back into vaping shortly after having a tooth yanked. The advice is backed up with post-procedure complications that most smokers or vapers have faced. This is why dentists suggest waiting at least 48 to 72 hours after any oral procedure before vaping again. If you’ve undergone an oral treatment recently like wisdom tooth extraction, you should follow all safety precautions before starting to vape.

With proper precautions in place, you can still enjoy a vape after tooth extraction. However, give your body the time it needs to heal. Not only can vaping disrupt the clotting process but can also lead to severe pain and other complications. That said, you can start your vaping journey slow, with gauze protection.

Again, using a good quality and reliable vape pen is the key to success. Many companies out there provide a wide range of vape devices made from highest quality materials. If you’re looking for some best options, you may consider UpBar GT, UPENDS MIRROR, UPBAR PRO, and UPBAR NANO.

In case you experience severe pain, stop vaping and seek immediate medical help.

Happy healing!