Extracting a tooth is a very common dental procedure. Whether your dentist removes a broken molar or your wisdom teeth, your body will have a natural reaction to the surgery. You may experience some facial swelling, light bruising and inflammation in the affected area. Your immune system will cause more blood, white blood cells and vital fluids to go to the wounded area of your gum.

However, you can take some practical steps to reduce the swelling and speed up you recovery. Using cold compresses, changing your lifestyle and following simple steps will help you to reduce the swelling.

Apply Cold Compresses for the First 48 Hours

Applying a cold compress is the best way to reduce swelling. This will cause the blood vessels to constrict, reducing fluid build-up and numbing the area.

Use an Ice Pack

– Wrap your ice pack, bag of frozen peas or gel pack in a clean soft cloth. Do not apply ice directly to the skin as it could cause irritation or frost bite.

Apply for 20 Minutes

– Apply the cold compress to the outside of your cheek or jaw for 20 minutes. Then leave it off for 20 minutes. Repeat this whilst you are awake.

Apply Immediately

– Apply your cold compress as soon as you get home from your dentist appointment. This will prevent extra fluids from building up in your cheek.

Warm Compresses After Day 2

After 48 hours, your body will not create any new fluids to cause swelling. However, the cold compress is not as effective so try applying a warm compress.

Make a Warm Compress

– Soak a small towel in warm water. Squeeze out the water or use a warm heating pad wrapped in a cloth.

Apply to Cheek

– Apply the warm compress to your cheek for 20 minutes. Leave it off for 20 minutes.

Encourage Blood Flow

– The moisture from the warm compress will cause your blood vessels to dilate. This will cause an increase in blood flow to flush out the trapped fluids. This will also reduce bruising on your face and ease the tightness in your jaw joint.

Sleep with Your Head Raised

Gravity will play a big part in reducing swelling. If you lie completely flat your blood and fluids will pool in your head.

Use Pillows

– Sleep with your head raised using 2 or 3 firm pillows.

Sleep in a Recliner Chair

– Try sleeping in an adjustable recliner chair for the first couple of nights. This will raise your torso at a comfortable 45 degree angle.

Stay Upright

– Try to stay upright as much as possible during the day. Keeping your head above your heart will encourage the fluids to drain away naturally.

Take Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Taking medication will help block the chemicals causing the swelling and pain. Take your medication as prescribed.

Take Anti-Inflammatory

– Over the counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen will ease the pain and reduce the swelling. Take exactly as your dentist tells you to.

Take Steroids if Prescribed

– If your dentist or oral surgeon think you may suffer from severe swelling due to a complex wisdom tooth removal they may give you steroids to take.

Take Pain Relievers

– Take your medication as soon as you get home. This will help prevent a sudden rise in your blood pressure due to the pain.

Stay Hydrated

Hydrating will help your body remove the toxins. It will also help remove extra fluids from your tissues and keep your blood flowing smoothly.

Drink Plenty of Water

– Throughout the day try to drink lots of water at room temperature. If you become dehydrated your body will retain the extra fluids causing your face to swell.

Don’t Use a Straw

– Don’t use a straw to drink any water, juice or smoothies for at least a week. The suction caused by using a straw will dislodge the blood clot in your empty socket. This will cause a painful dry socket and severe secondary swelling.

Avoid Hot & Fizzy Drinks

– Avoid hot drinks such as steaming coffees, teas and fizzy drinks for the first few days. These will cause irritation to your sensitive gum and cause extra blood to be drawn to the wound.

Eat Soft, Cool Meals

The type of food you eat will impact on how much swelling you suffer from. Avoid eating any hard, crunchy or hot foods as this will irritate your healing gums.

Eat Cool Meals

– In the first 24 hours eat soft and cool meals such as smooth yogurt, cold applesauce, smoothies, ice cream, puddings and fruit purees. The cold will help calm your sore tissues.

Gradually Eat Warmer Meals

– On day 2 and 3 you can start to eat warmer meals. Try to eat soft meals such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, warm soups, soft porridge and mashed avocado.

Chew Opposite Side

– Only chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

Avoid Exercising

Exercising will cause your heart rate to rise. This will raise your blood pressure. This will cause extra blood to flow to your face causing new throbbing, bleeding and swelling.

Don’t Exert Yourself

– Avoid heavy lifting, exercising, running, cycling and intense workouts for at least the first couple of days.

Avoid Bending Over

– Don’t bend over to lift anything heavy. This will cause your head to be lower than your waist causing pressure in your head and cheeks.

Gradually Get Active

– On day 4 or 5 you can start to do light walks and gentle activities. If you feel any throbbing pressure stop immediately.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean will prevent bacteria from building up around the extraction site. This can cause infections which cause large amounts of swelling in your tissues. This will also slow down your recovery.

Rinse with Warm Salt Water

– 24 hours after your surgery rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with a glass of warm water.

Don’t Spit Vigorously

– Don’t spit out any liquid. Lean over your sink and allow the water to drip out of your mouth. This will protect your blood clot.

Brush Remaining Teeth

– Continue to brush your remaining teeth. Use a soft toothbrush and be gentle around the extraction site. Don’t brush the empty socket.

Avoid Tobacco, Smoking & Alcohol

Smoking, vaping, chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol will greatly slow down your healing. This will cause severe swelling.

Don’t Smoke/Vape

– Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours. Ideally a full week. The chemicals in the tobacco smoke will slow down your cell repair. The sucking action will dislodge your blood clot.

Avoid Alcohol

– Avoid drinking any alcohol whilst taking pain medication or antibiotics. Alcohol will thin your blood causing more swelling. It can also cause dangerous interactions with your medication.

Your body will heal your gums best if you avoid tobacco and alcohol.

Key Tips to Reduce Swelling After a Tooth Extraction

  • Apply a cold ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth to your cheek for 20 minutes. Do this on and off for the first 48 hours.

  • Sleep with your head raised using 2 or 3 firm pillows.

  • Take your prescribed anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen.

  • After 48 hours switch to a warm moist compress. This will help ease the tightness in your jaw.

  • Drink plenty of water at room temperature. Don’t use a straw.

  • Eat soft cool meals such as smooth yogurt, applesauce and warm mashed potatoes. Avoid eating any hard, crunchy or spicy foods.

  • Don’t do any heavy exercise, running or heavy lifting.

  • Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. Do this 24 hours after your procedure.

  • Avoid smoking, vaping, tobacco and alcohol.

  • If your swelling continues to increase after day 3 or you get a fever contact your dentist.

FAQ’s

1. When will my facial swelling peak?

Facial swelling will normally peak between 48-72 hours. After day 3 your swelling should start to reduce every day. If it continues to increase contact your dentist.

2. Will I get bruising?

Yes, bruising is a completely normal reaction. Especially if you had complex wisdom tooth removals. As the blood settles in your cheek you may notice some yellow, green, black or blue bruising. This will quickly fade by using warm compresses after day 2.

3. Can I use an ice pack after 48 hours?

You can still use an ice pack but it will not be as effective. A warm moist compress will be much more effective. The warmth will increase your blood flow, opening your blood vessels. This will help your body to absorb the trapped fluid.

4. How do I know if my swelling is due to an infection?

Normal swelling will peak on day 3. If your swelling suddenly increases after day 3, you get severe throbbing pain, it feels hot, you get a bad taste in your mouth or a high temperature you may have an infection. Contact your dentist immediately.

To reduce swelling after a tooth extraction be patient and practice good care. Applying ice packs in the first couple of days, raising your head, taking anti-inflammatory, eating soft foods and avoiding any physical activity will help keep your face comfortable and reduce inflammation. Working with your dentist and following these simple tips at home will ensure a smooth, safe and quick recovery so you can return to your normal daily routine.