I just had four teeth pulled, and I am a smoker. I know I am not allowed to smoke right after having my teeth pulled, but I forgot to find out for how long. I can go a day, but do I have to wait much longer than a day? I smoke almost without thinking, so it would be hard for me to stop for an extended period. Can you please advise?

Reply: It’s essential to wait for at least 24 hours after a tooth extraction before smoking. However, waiting for 48-72 hours is best to allow the blood clot to form and the wound to begin healing, and smoking too soon after the extraction can dislodge the blood clot and delay the healing process, which can cause a dry socket. This painful condition occurs when the blood clot is dislodged or dissolved. I understand that it can be challenging to quit smoking, but it’s essential to refrain from smoking during the healing process to avoid complications. If you need support to quit smoking, there are various resources available that can help you in your journey.