After a tooth extraction, it is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 72 hours (3 days) to allow the initial healing process to begin and a stable blood clot to form. Many dentists advise waiting even longer—typically 7 to 10 days—before resuming alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of complications such as dry socket, delayed healing, infection, and adverse interactions with medications like painkillers or antibiotics. The exact timing can depend on the complexity of the extraction, individual healing progress, and overall health. Drinking alcohol too soon can interfere with blood clotting, dehydrating the body and irritating the healing tissues, which may prolong recovery or cause additional discomfort. It is safest to follow your dentist's specific guidance and ensure the extraction site has healed properly before drinking alcohol again.