Smoking-Post Op. (Question)

Message

#1 Post by **KevinFrank86** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 8:49 am

Hey Guys,

I was just wondering if you could give me information on smoking after surgery? I remember by doctor was a simple "no" and that it caused infection-or could, or something like that. I'm 13days post op and had a smoke today (I know, I'm horrible!). I don't plan on reintroducing myself to the nasty habit, but I did fall of the "quit wagon" for a brief second. What I just want to make sure....because I'm so far past my operation date and most things seem back to normal, with the exception of sensation and being able to open my mouth, am I running the risk of a horrible infection by that one smoke? I'll never smoke again, and I don't plan too, I just want to be sure, because I'm worried here. BTW-It's upper and chin and I'm 13 days post op.

#2 Post by **Metal Mouth Guy** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 10:57 am

Smoking is such an inhibiting factor to healing that my father (a cardiologist) won't treat smokers until they quit. And if he finds out they're smoking behind his back, he "fires" them. It's a waste of his time and the patient's time. My understanding is that as long as you smoke, you will not properly heal.

Do you really want to lengthen the time it takes to heal?

Your call.

MMG

#3 Post by **KevinFrank86** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 2:04 pm

No, of course not. I didn't even mean that I was starting back up again, it's just that I've been smoking since I was 15...so that has been a little over 3 and a half years and it was hard for me to quit - I slipped, but I sure as heck don't want to go back and I'm not "addicted" to it anymore. Actually...The taste grossed me out! I just wanted to be sure that I didn't damage anything by doing so that one night, because I'm worried, thats all.

#4 Post by **ricardo2** » Sun Sep 25, 2005 7:35 pm

Hi KevinFrank86,

I smoke 20-a-day.... I had my wisdom tooth out last Xmas and carried on smoking - (nobody told me to avoid it!! Pathetic excuse, I know!!) I didn't get an infection or dry socket.... although I may have just been lucky!

I had my canines exposed on 16th August and I carried on smoking.... it did get infected, but antibiotics cleared it up & I still smoked. (tut!)

I imagine a sneaky one-off ciggie, especially so long afterwards, won't have done any harm. Don't worry about it!

Take care

LUCY xxx

#5 Post by **KevinFrank86** » Mon Sep 26, 2005 11:50 am

Thanks alot, Guys. I was just a bit worried about it all. I've had wisdom teeth extracted and another surgery, while I was smoking, and I, as well, never had a problem -same deal. never was asked. never knew-. I knew about the risks going into this surgery and that I had to give it up, so I did. I just wanted to be sure, with this type of surgery and all, because the cuts are inside the mouth around the lip area (well...kind of). I haven't had one since that 'slip' so I feel good about that and I don't really 'crave' one that much, either, so there is no need to do it, I guess..... but thanks for the reassurance, guys...It helped!