How to reduce swelling in jaw from wisdom teeth removal

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. 

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 to reduce swelling in jaw from wisdom teeth removal

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.

How to reduce swelling in jaw from wisdom teeth removal

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Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars. People get them during their teens or early twenties. Wisdom teeth can do great when they are correctly aligned and healthy. However, these teeth usually break through the gums only partially, or they are often misaligned. That’s when your dentist would suggest wisdom teeth removal Sydney to avoid further complications. Wisdom teeth extraction is a simple procedure carried out on the dentist office. There is no risk or pain you will feel with it. If your dentist suggests you wisdom teeth removal, go for it. Here are some tips to take care of yourself during the recovery phase.

Recovery Phase:

The recovery speed after wisdom teeth removal depends on how the extraction was. Was the tooth impacted in the jaw bone, or was the extraction simple? In both the cases, there will be some post-operative swelling as a result of surgical trauma. How severe the swelling is, will again depend on the complexity of the extraction.

To Reduce Swelling – First 24 Hours:

In the first 24 hours after wisdom teeth removal Sydney, the aim is to minimise the amount of swelling. For this, you should apply cold packs on the area of your cheeks where the tooth was extracted. You can start keeping ice packs as soon as the surgery is done.

  • You can use a cold pack available at pharmacies, or even a frozen bag of peas will work. Whatever the source you have chosen, wrap it in a dishtowel.
  • Hold it against the outside of your face firmly for 15 minutes, leave it for another 15 minutes, and repeat.
  • The cold will cause blood vessels in the surgical area to constrict, reducing the volume of fluids that are transported around the tissues and thus reduce the amount of swelling.

Remember, you will be feeling numb from the anaesthesia, so don’t fall asleep with the ice pack pressed on your cheek.

To Reduce Swelling – 48 To 72 Hours:

You cannot prevent swelling entirely with the cold compress however, you can bring it down quickly with a warm compress.

Generally, swelling is considered to reach its peak 48 to 72 hours after cheap wisdom teeth removal Sydney, and that is when you should start using a warm compress, not before. Follow what your dentist recommends.

  • Get a heat pack or a wet towel. You should warm the swollen area and not burn it.
  • Hold it against the swelling area at every 20 minutes gap.
  • The heat from the compress will cause your blood vessels to dilate, enabling them to carry over the fluids that cause swelling.

If your swelling hasn’t subsided by the fourth day, you should talk to your dentist. Although complications are rare, they are possible. So talk to your dentist right away when you notice severe pain, pus, or develop a fever.

An additional tip after affordable wisdom teeth removal cost Sydney while sleeping, keep your head elevated to reduce further swelling.

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How long does your jaw stay swollen after wisdom tooth extraction?

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.

How swollen is too swollen after wisdom teeth removal?

With treatment or naturally, your facial swelling should begin going down within a few days of your wisdom teeth removal. If swelling increases more than three after your surgery, you should contact your dentist, as this could mean that your socket is infected.