You’re probably aware that wisdom tooth extractions are followed by swelling. We work closely with patients at Healthy Smiles Family Dental to ensure that their recoveries go as smoothly as possible, but it’s true that swelling is almost inevitable. We want to reassure patients that this is normally not a problem and to provide them with information they need to protect themselves in case something does go wrong.
When a tooth is removed, the bone at the base of the socket is briefly exposed before the blood clots and seals it off. Inflammation is an additional immune defense against the spread of outside pathogens, but it usually isn’t necessary. For the first few days after an extraction, patients should attempt to limit swelling by applying cold packs to their jaws. They should apply the cold pack for fifteen minutes at a time, with fifteen minutes in between applications.
Swelling is usually proportional to the complexity of an extraction, with incisions resulting in more swelling than simple tooth removals. However, it will usually peak within three days. After that, patients can try reducing it by applying heat packs, using the same fifteen on/fifteen off rule. Patients should seek emergency care if they get a dry socket or if they notice tissue around the extraction site turning black or white, but in ordinary circumstances, they can expect swelling to go away within seven days.
Dr. Na Xu operates Healthy Smiles Family Dental at 2601 25th St SE #400, Salem, Oregon, 97302. Visit My Family Dentist Salem or call 503-385-1185.
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