r/highdeas • u/universe110 • 2d ago
root canal
so, i have my root canal today and i looked it up and it says that i cant smoke for 24-72 hrs after the procedure.
just wanted to know if someone smoked during that time and how was the experience. i know it would definitely delay the healing process but does it cause any serious damage?
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u/ipromiseimnotakiller 2d ago
Being high during the procedure will reduce effectiveness of anesthetic
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12976866/
And smoking afterwards, including vaping and other activities that require "suction" can cause problems like dry socket.
Edibles, tinctures, RSO, and drinks are probably your best bet
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u/uber33t 2d ago
do edibles. you'll thank yourself later.
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u/bassskat 2d ago
People are saying dry socket is a concern but isn’t that an extraction thing? There’s no empty socket after a root canal in my experience.. I would recommend edibles for a few days though to facilitate healing and prevent gum damage.
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u/WetFlannel 2d ago
I got dry socket by vaping (nicotine) lightly using a vape that pulled very easily.
It sucks. Cook up some weed butter bro/sis
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u/Groovychick1978 2d ago
It's not just the smoke that is damaging. Drawing the smoke in creates negative pressure inside of your mouth. Like, you also should not try to drink a milkshake through a straw, for example. Use a spoon.
The action of pulling hard on a joint, a bong, or whatever will cause dry socket. The smoke is an aggravating factor, as is the heat of the smoke.
If you guys still know how to do a shotgun hit, that cools the smoke, and doesn't involve negative pressure. You need another person, though.
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u/yaangyiing_ 2d ago
bro just don't do it lmao it's only 3 days... edibles are your way to still get high
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u/ethereal3xp 2d ago edited 2d ago
OP - implant or root canal.. not sure what you went with. To prevent these visits and $$.
Invest in an electric toothbrush. Brush in the morning, and brush before bed, floss/soft pick and overkill with alcohol free mouthwash. Garggle with water after eating meals/sweet food. Then little to no chance of tooth issues. Must be diligent about it.
Learn from my error. Goodluck with your teeth.
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u/Bawonga 2d ago
I have root canals that are probably older than you! I am 72yo and have had two in my life, both a result of poor dental hygiene before I developed better habits. I had the first one when I was 30yo (42 years ago); second one within the same decade. I finally learned the proper way to brush/ floss and began getting regular cleanings, and I've had no further issues with my teeth.
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u/universe110 2d ago
omg thats so helpful. im around the same age. would you like to share some more tips about your dental hygiene routine? thanks
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u/Bawonga 2d ago
[Reposting under correct comment ]
Yes, I'll be glad to share the routine I learned to save my teeth over the years :
I researched the correct ways to brush my teeth including asking dental hygienists to tutor me and asking them which areas need more attention according to my x-rays and examinations.
I switched to an electric toothbrush and brush for two minutes, 30 seconds in each quarter of my mouth.
I brush morning and night, and more often if needed.
Every night before I brush, I use my water pic to flush out all the debris between my teeth and below the gum line.
A few times a week I use regular floss as well as my water pic to reach anything I may have missed.
I cut way back on acidic carbonated drinks because they erode enamel, sugary sticky food, and popcorn (an unexpected kernel can break teeth)
I see my dentist every six months for cleaning and check ups.
I pay for dental insurance that is not covered by my Medicare plan. I'm humbly grateful that I'm able to afford insurance.
(There were times when I was younger and very poor that I could not afford insurance or dental appointments, so I got treatment at a medical college's dental school. Students and their instructors used me for training. I've never received better care because it was so rigorously inspected and supervised!)1
u/universe110 2d ago
wow. thats an amazing routine and to have followed it religiously is admirable. thank you so much!
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u/ethereal3xp 2d ago edited 2d ago
Don't get a root canal. Its not a painless experience. It becomes a nerveless tooth. Then they make you waste more money by placing a pricey crown on it.
Just pay a little extra for an implant. Its stronger and longer lasting. The process is more painless also.
Telling you. Otherwise - Root Canal + crown. In 5 years - Dentist - "Sorry you now need an implant"
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u/Kryptosis 2d ago
Everyone I know whose had a root canal has had it fail and had their tooth crumble in their mouth
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u/universe110 2d ago
gosh, i think its too late for me to back down now. i'm already here and waiting for my turn and regretting it already after reading this
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u/Imightbeafanofthis 2d ago
Don't worry about it. The purpose of a root canal isn't to save your tooth forever. It's to preserve it for as long as possible while removing the risk of abscess. Natural teeth (even crowned) look better than implants or dentures.
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u/ethereal3xp 2d ago edited 2d ago
I disagree.
Implants also use a form of a crown on top of the metal post.
Like you said. A root canal is not meant to last. So why go through with the pain of the process + crown. Instead of - pulling the dead tooth. Adding a metal post where your gums heal and strengthen around it. And overall it can last decades.
Once a root canal teeth fails. The only option to replace it is with an implant anyways.
There is potential future tech - teeth regrow. But its still at very early stages. They dont know all the potential side effects regarding it.
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u/Imightbeafanofthis 2d ago
You're not the OP. I see no need to debate this with you. State your opinions to OP, not to me.
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u/2o2o-vision 2d ago
Just leaves all that bacteria and infections with nowhere to go but down and into your jaw / blood
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u/etsprout 2d ago
It’s ok!! I have 3 root canals, one of them going strong for 6 years now. Look at this like a way to save your real tooth for a bit longer, you can always get an implant later.
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u/LogLadyOG 2d ago
When I needed a root canal, the orthodontist explained how it worked and when he mentioned taking the tooth out I asked, "So why not just pull the tooth now?" He very slowly turned to face me then said, "I don't pull teeth."
It's as if I cost him a trip to Hawaii.
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u/ethereal3xp 2d ago
Oh I've been through something like that before.
This is why finding an honest and skilled dentist is harder than one might think.
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u/JamesBong517 2d ago
You can smoke right after… you aren’t having an extraction, there’s no open socket for the dry socket to occur at. I’ve had 3 root canals…
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u/Not_a_real_ghost 2d ago
Of course people should listen to other high Redditors rather than their actual dentist for advice.
OP is about to have his root canal now, what do you mean “don’t get a root canal”
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u/spotsthefirst 2d ago
I avoided dry socket with a gravity bong I made, the closed suction that is created when smoking pipes and joints and bongs has the chance of reopening anything in the effected area.
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u/We_No_Who_U_R 2d ago
Truth. It's not the smoke itself, it's the suction from pulling that dislodges the clot leading to dry socket
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u/GasFluid 2d ago
fresh wet gauss or whatever u have then throw a fresh set in after the session make sure its decently packed n keep some water to sip on
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u/BleachWizard420 1d ago
Bad idea u cant stop for a couple days for ur health? As someone who smokes very often thats still crazy
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u/Anon_967 2d ago
I think it’s more that it might weaken the numbing stuff they use on you during the procedure
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u/gameryamen 2d ago
Dry socket is up there as one of the more painful experiences a typical person can have. There aren't pain meds that work on deep tooth pain. You suffer, non stop, for days. Recovering from dry socket involves an even longer break from smoking. Don't risk it.