Getting your wisdom teeth removed soon? If so, here’s something you should know – you should expect swelling after the procedure. But don’t worry because it’s essentially a part of the healing process. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, I’m on the mend.”
That said, it’s important to know more about what to expect post-procedure like what causes the swelling, how long it will last and what you can do to reduce swelling.
In this blog, we will let you know all you need to know about swelling after wisdom teeth removal and how to reduce it.
Why Does Your Face Get Swollen After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
When a wisdom tooth is extracted, it leaves behind an empty socket. In addition, the surrounding tissues and underlying bone get exposed to trauma and inflammation, triggering a series of healing responses from the body.
One such response is – pumping extra blood and fluid to the affected area to speed up the healing process, resulting in some swelling.
In addition to this, there are some other factors that can cause and affect the swelling, including:
- Oral Surgery Techniques: The methods used to extract your wisdom tooth can affect the level of swelling you experience. For example, techniques such as bone removal, flap creation or sectioning can cause more swelling.
- Personal Health Habits: Smoking, drinking and poor oral hygiene can all affect your body’s healing ability. This will increase the risk of infections and inflammation, leading to more swelling.
- Individual Factors: As we know, everyone heals differently. Some may experience more swelling than others, with individual factors like your age, overall health and how well you care after wisdom tooth extraction playing a role.
Keep in mind that swelling can appear in your cheeks, jaw and even your neck and it could last anywhere from a few days to about a week. We get that seeing your face swollen might seem scary, but understanding why it happens can help you remain calm and handle it like a pro.
How Long Does Swelling Last After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
After wisdom tooth extraction, swelling usually peaks in the first 24-48 hours before gradually going away. Here’s what you can expect:
- Days 1-2: Swelling will hit its peak during this time period. Remember that it’s a normal reaction and don’t panic.
- Days 3-4: The swelling will begin to go down along with the discomfort.
- Days 5-7: Most of the swelling will be gone by this point, with just a little bit of puffiness remaining.
When Should I Visit the Dentist for Swelling after Wisdom Teeth Removal
To effectively manage swelling and discomfort, following the aftercare tips our dentist provides is important. That includes steps like icing the swollen area and getting plenty of rest.
However, if the swelling persists even after following all of the aftercare steps, it could be an indication of an underlying issue. Here are some other red flags that you shouldn’t be avoiding in such an instance:
- Persistent or Worsening Swelling: If your swelling isn’t going down or is getting worse after 3-4 days, it could be a sign of an infection.
- Fever or Chills: Feeling feverish or shivery? This could be another sign of an infection and you might need antibiotics to get it under control.
- Pus or Discharge: Notice pus or discharge coming from the extraction site? That’s a definite sign to have your extraction site checked out.
- Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: Severe swelling can make it harder to breathe. So, make sure to seek medical help urgently.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact our emergency dentist as soon as possible. Immediate action can help prevent the situation from worsening and ensure your recovery is well on track.
How to Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
While swelling is normal after tooth extraction, there are plenty of ways to speed up the healing process and manage discomfort. Here are some things you need to do:
- Apply an Ice Pack: Apply an ice pack or even a bag of frozen peas to the affected area for the first 24 hours. Do 15-20 minutes on, 15-20 minutes off.
- Keep your Head Elevated: Minimise the swelling by keeping your head elevated. Sit upright or prop your head up with extra pillows when lying down.
- Place a Warm Compress: After 48 hours, switch the ice pack for a warm compress. Apply it to the affected area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
- Rinse with Salt Water: Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water every morning, starting 24 hours post-extraction. It will help reduce swelling and get rid of harmful bacteria. But make sure to avoid spitting while doing this.
- Take Pain Relievers: Take over-the-counter pain relievers to help with the swelling and discomfort.
- Avoid Strenuous Activity: Skip any strenuous activity, including intense exercise, for the first few days post-surgery, as your body needs all the energy to heal.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water because staying hydrated can help your body heal faster. But avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as they can dehydrate you and slow down healing.
- Stick to Soft Foods: Eat soft and easy-to-eat foods like yoghurt, mashed potatoes and soups to avoid irritating the extraction site.
As we’ve mentioned before, swelling is normal after wisdom teeth removal. However, by ensuring proper care, you are more likely to enjoy a smoother healing process and fast recovery. If you still notice anything unusual – like severe swelling or swelling that just won’t go away – reach out to our team at Ashgrove as soon as possible. We’ll help you figure out what’s wrong and the necessary steps to manage your condition.
