Can I mix alcohol and painkillers after a dental procedure when I’m on prescription opioids?

Short answer

Why people ask this

This question usually comes up right after dental surgery when someone has been prescribed opioids like hydrocodone or oxycodone for pain. People want to know if a beer or glass of wine is safe while recovering from a tooth extraction, root canal, or implant. Opioids and alcohol both slow the central nervous system, and anesthesia or sedation from the procedure can linger, compounding the effect. Dental pain can also be significant the first 24–72 hours, leading people to consider both a drink and their prescribed pills. Some dental opioid tablets are combined with acetaminophen, which creates added risks with alcohol use.

When it might be safe

There are no commonly accepted situations where this is considered safe.

When it is not safe

• Alcohol and prescription opioids (e.g., hydrocodone, oxycodone) both depress breathing and sedation, which can stack after dental sedation.
• After oral surgery, swallowing can be impaired; alcohol plus opioids raises choking/aspiration risk if you vomit.
• Many dental opioids are combined with acetaminophen; alcohol increases liver strain and can cause toxicity.
• Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and may worsen post-extraction bleeding and delay clot formation (dry socket risk).

Possible risks

• Severe drowsiness, respiratory depression, and overdose from the alcohol–opioid combination, especially within 24–72 hours post-procedure.
• Increased bleeding at the extraction site and higher chance of dislodging the clot, leading to painful dry socket.
• Nausea and vomiting with aspiration risk when mouth/jaw are sore or partially numb after dental work.
• Liver injury if taking opioid–acetaminophen combinations (e.g., hydrocodone/APAP) alongside alcohol.
• Impaired judgment and falls, which can disrupt stitches, grafts, or implants.

Safer alternatives

• Skip alcohol entirely until at least 24–72 hours after your last opioid dose and after your dentist confirms you’re off sedatives/anesthesia effects.
• Use dentist-approved non-opioid options (ibuprofen or naproxen if safe for you) and scheduled acetaminophen within daily limits.
• Focus on recovery aids: cold compresses, head elevation, gentle saltwater rinses after the first 24 hours, and alcohol-free mouthwash.
• Hydrate with water or electrolyte drinks and choose alcohol-free beverages if you want something social.
• If pain is uncontrolled without drinking, contact your dentist to adjust your pain plan rather than mixing alcohol with opioids.

Bottom line

After dental procedures, do not mix alcohol with prescription opioids. Wait until you’re off opioids and cleared by your dentist before drinking, and use non-alcohol strategies to manage pain and healing.

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