Can You Vape After A Dental Procedure?

Is it okay to vape straight after a dental procedure? This largely depends on what you have had done and its typical healing time. Read on for a comprehensive breakdown of how long you should wait before vaping after visiting the dentist; from a simple filling to a tooth extraction. 

How long should you wait to vape after a tooth extraction?

Generally, it is recommended to wait at least 3 days to vape after having a tooth extracted. This is due to complications that can be caused due to a number of different properties of vaping/ e-liquids. For example;

• The inhalation of vapour: The suction/ pressure in the mouth caused by inhaling on a vape could dislodge the blood clot formed where the tooth used to be. If this happens, especially repeatedly this can cause a painful occurrence known as dry socket.

• Nicotine reduces blood flow in the gums: This can mean your gum takes longer to heal, especially when nicotine comes into direct contact with the affected area via vapour and e-liquid residue.

• Vaping is dehydrating: Staying hydrated is a great way to promote healing but vaping actually dehydrates you, particularly your mouth. This is because propylene glycol( a key base ingredient in e-liquids) is hygroscopic, meaning it draws water out of the body/ mouth. 

How long should you wait to vape after having a filling?

In the case of fillings, unfortunately the story is similar, you should wait between 24-72 hours after having your filling to resume vaping. However, with simple fillings it is likely to be closer to the 24 hour mark. Ensure you ask your dentist how long you should wait as this may depend on the depth of your filling and how irritated your mouth is. This is because the heat of the vapour may cause irritation, dry out the mouth and disrupt the settling process of the filling.

Can you vape after getting your teeth cleaned at the dentist?

Even with teeth cleaning/ whitening it is recommended to wait at least 24 hours, and in the case of deep cleaning/ scaling the recommendation is to wait at least 48-72 hours. This is because;

• Teeth staining: E-liquids can cause staining on teeth, particularly when your enamel is weakened post cleaning. To help keep your teeth white we recommend using clear e-liquids, particularly in the days/weeks following cleaning or whitening.

• Irritation and sensitivity: Immediately after a cleaning or whitening your gums are extra sensitive. Suction, heat and chemicals all contribute to worsening gum sensitivity.

• Slow healing: Any minor abrasions that happen during cleaning may take longer to heal due to nicotine.

Manage your cravings

Keep your cravings under control after a dentist visit with alternatives like nicotine pouches ( depending on the procedure you had) and nicotine patches which are a non oral delivery method for nicotine. 

After a simple procedure, like a filling or cleaning it is okay to use a nicotine pouch as soon as the dental anaesthetic wears off. In the case of fillings though, you should place the pouch on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid irritation to any sore areas.

However, after a tooth removal, filling, implant, or complicated procedures like root canals, as with vaping you should avoid using nicotine pouches for at least 3 days. This is because nicotine restricts blood flow to your gums which can impair healing, putting you at risk of painful dry socket. Instead, you can use nicotine patches that are applied to the skin for your nicotine fix while your mouth heals.

What can you do to promote healing after a dentist trip?

• Hydrate: Staying hydrated keeps your mouth moist, helping any irritation/ empty sockets heal quickly.

• Eat soft, cooling foods: Food like yoghurt, scrambled eggs, and lukewarm soup will not irritate your mouth.

• Salt water: After 24 hours you can rinse your mouth with salt water, which helps to clean any wounds.

• Rest: You should take it easy during the 24 hours following a dental procedure. This helps set you up for the best possible recovery.

In Summary...

Generally you should wait at least 72 hours (3 days) after a major dental procedure to vape, and between 24-72 hours for minor procedures. It is important to ensure you ask your dentist how long you should wait because in some cases you may need to wait more or less time than this. In the meantime you can use nicotine replacement therapies to keep cravings at bay.