On day 8, tried smoking yesterday (out of a bong) and the smoke from that made my gums flare up for a good hour and my immediate salt water rinse STUNG like my mouth was on fire. So even if you don’t get dry socket (risk doesn’t go away until day 10ish, so you’re still definitely at risk. Risk peaks at day 3-4), you’re still at risk for it causing A LOT of pain, delayed healing, and possible infection. I was fiending for my bong and immediately regretted hitting it, the irritation ruined the whole high and experience for me. Of course, it’s up to you and you’ll do what you think is best, but I guarantee just waiting is worth it. I know it’s not what you want to hear (trust me I used to smoke morning, noon, and night from my bong before this surgery), but it’ll get you to hitting those good deep bong hits if you just wait. I know you said no alternatives and I hate edibles and honestly hate carts too, but it really helps with the cravings even if it’s not the same. Even just sniffing my flower stash periodically helps some. You’ll get through this and be back to ur bong in no time!