Wisdom teeth are also known as third molars and typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. These teeth can be valuable for chewing but they often pose problems due to limited space in the jaw which leads to impaction, misalignment, or other dental issues.
Wisdom teeth extraction is therefore a common dental procedure that is done to prevent complications and preserve oral health.
Nicotine pouches have exploded in popularity in the last couple of years as a tobacco-free, smoke-free, and less harmful nicotine alternative. They come in the form of small pouches which are placed under the upper lip where they release nicotine into the bloodstream without combustion and in a hands-free manner.
The popularity of nicotine pouches is primarily driven by an increased rise in awareness about the risks associated with smoking, but also the convenience they offer.
As wisdom teeth extraction is a prevalent procedure among young adults and therefore, if you are a user of nicotine pouches, you are probably wondering about whether you can use nicotine pouches after a wisdom teeth removal. As you probably know, a wisdom tooth removal has a recovery period and often makes you very swollen in the jaw. However, if you are an active nicotine pouch user, you probably need your nicotine fix on a regular basis to satisfy your nicotine craving. This obviously makes us want to ask the question of whether nicotine pouch use is compatible with the post-surgical healing process
Understanding Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is a dental procedure that is performed to address different issues associated with the third molars. Common reasons for extraction include impaction, crowding, improper alignment, and the potential for infection. The procedure is typically carried out by an oral surgeon or a dentist and often requires local or general anesthesia.
During the surgery, the oral healthcare professional removes one or more wisdom teeth through incisions in the gum tissue. In some cases, the teeth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. The surgical site is then stitched up to allow for proper healing.
The recovery period after wisdom teeth extraction is important for successful healing and the prevention of complications. You generally need to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, which may include guidelines on managing pain, swelling, and oral hygiene. The initial days after surgery often involve rest, a soft diet, and the application of ice packs to reduce swelling.
The complete healing process may take several weeks, during which you gradually resume normal activities. It is important to note that the timeline can vary based on individual factors, including the number of teeth extracted, the complexity of the procedure, and overall oral health.
The doctor or dentist responsible for extracting your wisdom teeth generally provides a set of instructions to ensure a smooth recovery process. This may include recommendations to avoid certain activities that could hinder healing, such as smoking, vigorous rinsing, and the consumption of certain foods. Oftentimes, you’re also prescribed pain medications and are advised to follow good oral hygiene practices to minimize the risk of infection.
Nicotine Pouches: What Are They?
Moving on to the main focus of this article: nicotine pouches.
Nicotine pouches are oral products that are placed under the upper lip. Once there, they release nicotine into the bloodstream via the oral mucosa. With that said, since nicotine pouches are oral, they are obviously directly related to wisdom teeth removal.
Nicotine pouches stand out on the market as a tobacco-free and smoke-free alternative that is administered in a rather interesting and convenient way. Thanks to the elimination of combustion, they are considerably less harmful than smoking. The nicotine is released steadily and the pouch is generally used under the lip for 10-50 minutes. However, the initial nicotine buzz is generally extremely rapid – often felt within a matter of seconds.
As more and more people look for less harmful nicotine alternatives, more and more people find themselves asking whether they can use nicotine pouches after wisdom tooth removal. This brings us to the key question of this article.
Concerns and Considerations
Wisdom teeth extraction involves the creation of incisions in the gum tissue which leaves behind open wounds that require proper care to avoid complications. A concern associated with using nicotine pouches post-surgery is the potential for complications at the extraction site. Nicotine is known to constrict blood vessels, potentially reducing blood flow to the surgical area. Restricted blood flow can impede the healing process, leading to delayed recovery, increased pain, and an elevated risk of infection.
Furthermore, the act of placing a nicotine pouch inside the mouth may exert pressure on the surgical site, disrupting the delicate balance needed for proper healing. With that said, nicotine pouches are placed under the upper lip, and wisdom teeth are removed at the very back of the mouth. For that reason, nicotine pouches won’t directly put pressure on the wound. It would be a completely different story if the location where you remove the wisdom teeth is the same as where you place the nicotine pouch.
Nicotine has vasoconstrictive properties, meaning it narrows blood vessels. This constriction reduces blood flow to the tissues, which can be problematic during the initial stages of healing after wisdom teeth extraction. It’s important to have adequate blood flow for delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to the healing tissues, facilitating the formation of blood clots and preventing infection.
With that said, it is recommended to refrain from using nicotine pouches during the first few days after wisdom teeth removal. However, if you choose to use nicotine pouches directly after a wisdom teeth removal, it’s not the end of the world and it won’t cause any major issues. In the worst case, you will experience some discomfort if the drip from the pouch reaches the site where the wisdom tooth was removed and if so, you can simply remove the pouch.
During the healing of a wound, a blod clot is formed to protect the wound and ultimately help it heal. If foreign objects are constantly irritating the wound site, it may negatively affect the healing process, something to be mindful of. A tip is therefore to keep the nicotine pouch from touching the wound and ideally preventing the drip from touching the wound site. In addition to prolonging the healing process, it could also be painful
Expert Insights
It’s important to seek help from dental professionals related to the use of nicotine pouches after a wisdom tooth removal. Oral surgeons, dentists, and other healthcare providers can provide the best recommendations and advice for post-operative care and the potential impacts of nicotine use on the healing process.
Some experts caution against the use of nicotine-containing products, including pouches, during the recovery period. The vasoconstrictive effects of nicotine, which restrict blood flow, are of concern in the context of a surgical site that requires robust blood circulation for proper healing. With that said, nicotine pouches should not be compared with smoking or other types of nicotine or tobacco products that have completely different characteristics.
Conclusion
All in all, it’s important to be careful and follow advice from professionals following wisdom teeth removal to allow the wound to heal quickly and properly. Nicotine pouch usage may have some impact on the wound site following wisdom teeth removal, however, the impact will not be major and the impact may primarily be in the form of irritation, pain, or discomfort from the drip from the pouch. If you experience pain from using nicotine pouches following a wisdom tooth removal, it’s best to let the wound heal from a few days. The good news is that the nicotine pouch is placed far from the wisdom tooth removal site which means that it is generally not a major issue shall you decide to use nicotine pouches after you have removed a wisdom tooth.
