Swelling is a common and expected part of healing after wisdom teeth removal. It is the body’s natural inflammatory response to surgical trauma, as blood flow and immune cells rush to the affected area for repair. While normal, swelling can cause discomfort. Understanding strategies to manage and reduce this inflammation can lead to a more comfortable recovery.
Initial Steps to Reduce Swelling
Immediately following wisdom teeth removal, cold compression is important for the first 24 to 48 hours. Applying an ice pack to the cheek area over the extraction site helps reduce swelling and inflammation. The cold constricts blood vessels, limiting blood flow and fluid leakage into surrounding tissues.
Use ice packs intermittently, typically 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, throughout the day for the first 24 to 48 hours. After 48 hours, cold packs are generally less effective; moist heat may be considered if swelling persists.
Keeping the head elevated, especially when resting or sleeping, also aids in managing swelling. Using extra pillows helps prevent blood and fluid from pooling in the surgical area, minimizing fluid accumulation and supporting drainage.
Continued Swelling Management
Beyond the initial 48 hours, typically from day 3 to day 7, continued strategies aid swelling management. Gentle oral hygiene, such as warm saltwater rinses, promotes healing and reduces inflammation. After 24 hours, mix half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and gently swish several times daily, especially after meals. Salt helps cleanse the surgical site and minimize swelling.
Dietary considerations also play a role in managing swelling. Consume soft, cool foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies, especially for the first few days. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods to prevent irritation and reduce prolonged swelling. Maintaining hydration by drinking plenty of water is also beneficial.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, effectively reduce pain and swelling. These nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) block chemicals that contribute to inflammation, pain, and fever. Always follow dosage instructions and consult your dentist or oral surgeon regarding appropriate medication use. Avoid strenuous exercise during this period.
Actions to Avoid During Recovery
To prevent worsening swelling and complications, avoid certain actions during recovery. Strenuous physical activity, including heavy lifting or bending over, should be avoided for at least 3 to 5 days after surgery. Such activities can increase blood pressure, potentially dislodging the protective blood clot and leading to increased bleeding or dry socket.
Smoking is strongly discouraged for at least 72 hours, and ideally two weeks, after wisdom teeth removal. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow and nutrients to healing tissues. Smoking also compromises the immune system, increasing infection risk and dry socket.
Avoid drinking through a straw, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours, as suction can dislodge the blood clot, leading to dry socket, which is very painful. Alcohol consumption should also be avoided, particularly for the first 72 hours. Alcohol can increase bleeding, interfere with pain medications, and weaken the immune system, increasing infection risk.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some swelling is normal after wisdom teeth removal, certain symptoms require professional medical attention. Contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately if you experience severe or worsening pain not managed by prescribed medication. Pain that intensifies over time is a warning sign.
Signs of infection warrant immediate consultation. These include persistent bleeding for over 24 hours, fever, pus or discharge from the extraction site, or redness spreading beyond the surgical area. Difficulty swallowing or breathing, or swelling that does not improve or significantly worsens, also require prompt evaluation.