According to a survey conducted by Statista, nearly 74% of Americans have a cup of coffee every day, and an additional 18% drink it most days. An overwhelming majority of people need coffee to get up in the morning, and if you’re one of them, you might wonder whether oral surgery could make that a problem.
If you have a tooth extraction coming up, that could put a damper on your coffee habit. Here’s why that is and what you should expect tooth extraction aftercare to look like for you.
The Importance of the Clot
Before getting to coffee, it’s important to talk briefly about the process of clotting. One of the top priorities after a tooth extraction is to protect the emerging clot that’s closing off the extraction wound. This clot protects the sensitive nerves and bone tissue that are exposed after a tooth extraction, and if it falls out, those fragile parts of the jaw are now exposed. This is a condition known as “dry socket.” Not only is this deeply uncomfortable, but it also significantly delays the process of healing.
Drinking Coffee After a Tooth Extraction
The reason why most dentists recommend against drinking coffee after tooth extraction has a lot to do with preventing dry socket. For one, hot coffee can disturb clot formation and irritate the nerve tissue, as can any other excessively hot food or drink. The high level of caffeine is also an issue—caffeine is a vasodilator, which means that it can increase the risk of excessive bleeding.
For these reasons, it’s strongly recommended that you wait at least 5 days before you start drinking coffee again. In the case of more involved extractions, like after wisdom tooth removal, you may even want to abstain for a few weeks.
Going Back to Coffee
Once your dentist has cleared you to return to your normal diet, you should start slow. You might start with a small cup of cold coffee or half-decaf and see if you have any bleeding. Take things slow and be cautious to make sure that you heal properly.
About the Author
Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana has been working in dentistry for nearly a decade and he still comes to work every day prepared to give his patients personalized, high-quality treatment. He believes that every patient he sees deserves to receive the highest quality care possible. Dr. Rana received his degree from New York University and has received considerable advanced training over the course of his career.
If you have any questions about tooth extractions, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (469) 399-7288.