How to make swelling go down after wisdom teeth surgery

Teeth erupt in stages from childhood to adulthood. Although, there are times where teeth can grow as molars at the back of the mouth, and these are typically the last teeth to come through. This is called a wisdom tooth.

Table of Contents Show

How Can I Reduce Swelling From Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The First 24 Hours
After 24 Hours
Here Are Some Extra Tips
Self-care advice
Working and driving
Returning to normal
How long does it take for swelling to go down wisdom teeth removal?
How do you get rid of wisdom teeth swelling fast?

The molars are also known as flat teeth. These molars form at the back of the mouth on both sides and are typically the last to come through. Wisdom teeth are usually formed from teenager years through to the early adult years, typically between the ages of 17 to 25 years. Wisdom teeth are attempting to erupt where there’s a lack of space for them to grow.

When this happens, to lessen the impact on your neighboring teeth, a wisdom teeth removal procedure would be recommended by the dentist.

How Can I Reduce Swelling From Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Two areas will determine how well you recover from wisdom teeth removal. First, it depends on how complicated the procedure is and how well it went. Secondly, how well you look after the extracted area post-treatment at home.

You’ll eventually begin to experience swelling from wisdom teeth removal in and around your gums. It cannot be said how much swelling will appear after the wisdom tooth is extracted. There are, however, remedies that you can follow to reduce it.

The First 24 Hours

Apply A Cold Compress

It takes some time for the anesthesia to wear off, and, likely, you’ll still feel the effects of it 24 hours post-treatment.

To minimize swelling, apply a cold compress against the outer cheek of the mouth where the extraction occurred. It is recommended that you keep this on hold for 15 minutes at a time throughout the day. You should begin to notice less swelling and more gradual movement of the mouth.

Doing this will reduce the fluid the underlying tissue receives and, therefore, will reduce swelling.

Avoid Food & Drink And Do Not Smoke

Sometimes, swelling can get worse if food debris is stuck within the affected area. For example, chewy foods can stick in the mouth, and the amount of effort it takes to bite down on chewy foods also increases the strain on your jaw.

You also want to make sure you don’t irritate your gums. This causes the facial area to exacerbate in size. Ideally, the extracted area must be kept clear for the first 24 hours.

Additionally, if you consume alcohol and smoke, this should be avoided until the swelling clears up. Instead, if you’re thirsty, drink lukewarm water.

After 24 Hours

Apply A Warm Compress

When you enter 48 hours post-treatment, you can also apply a warm compress using a heat pack or a wet towel. Ensure the towel isn’t hot. Apply the warm compress for 20 minutes on and off.

Here Are Some Extra Tips

Keep your head elevated when lying down or before you to go sleep. If the pain is difficult to cope with, you can take over-the-counter pain relief medication to reduce any inflammation and discomfort.

Most people recover from swelling from wisdom teeth removal within three to four days. It may take a week, depending on how complex the removal process was.

If you’ve recently had wisdom teeth removal treatment but are having complications with recovery, talk to your favorite Dentist Ashfield at Ashfield Family Dental and we’re more than happy to help.

It can take up to 2 weeks to recover from the surgery for having your wisdom tooth or teeth removed.

During this time, you may have:

a swollen mouth and cheeks – this will be worse for the first few days but will gradually improve; gently pressing a cold cloth to your face helps reduce the swelling
some mild visible bruising of your cheek – the skin may be bruised for up to 2 weeks
a stiff, sore jaw – this should wear off within 7 to 10 days
pain – this is worse if the extraction was difficult or complicated
an unpleasant taste in your mouth
tingling or numbness of your face, lips or tongue (although this is uncommon)

Report any excess bleeding, severe pain or any other unusual symptoms to your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.

Self-care advice

To reduce pain and aid your recovery, it can be helpful to:

use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (always read and follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions) – there's some evidence to suggest that ibuprofen is the best painkiller to take after having wisdom teeth removed
avoid strenuous activity and exercise for a few days
use an extra pillow to support your head at night
for 24 hours, avoid rinsing, spitting, hot drinks or anything else that may dislodge the blood clots that form in the empty tooth socket (they help the healing process)
avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 24 hours
eat soft or liquid food for a few days and chew with your other teeth
gently rinse the extraction site with antiseptic mouthwash after 24 hours, and repeat this regularly over the next few days, particularly after eating – you can also use warm water with a teaspoon of salt as mouthwash to reduce gum soreness and inflammation

Working and driving

It's usually recommended that you take a day or two off work after having a wisdom tooth removed. You won't need a sick note from your doctor or dentist for this.

You can drive immediately after the procedure if local anaesthetic was used, but you should avoid driving for at least 24 hours if a sedative was used, or 48 hours if the procedure was carried out under general anaesthetic.

Returning to normal

After your wisdom teeth have been removed and any swelling and bruising has disappeared, your mouth and face should return to normal.

You'll usually be able to brush your teeth normally after a few days. Make sure you finish any course of antibiotics you've been given.

A check-up appointment may be arranged for about a week or so after the procedure. At this point, any remaining stitches may be removed.

Page last reviewed: 17 May 2021
Next review due: 17 May 2024

How long does it take for swelling to go down wisdom teeth removal?

While each patient is variable, this swelling usually peaks on days 3-4 and should typically begin to resolve by day 5. You can limit the amount of swelling you will have by using ice packs. The more ice you use in the four days, the less swelling you are likely to experience.