Having wisdom teeth removed can be a daunting experience. Not only is the procedure itself uncomfortable, but you also have to face the recovery period afterwards. One of the biggest concerns for many people is how long they will be swollen for after having their wisdom teeth removed. This article will provide insight into how long one can expect to remain swollen after wisdom teeth extraction.Swelling after wisdom teeth removal is a common side effect of the surgery. Swelling occurs as a result of the body’s natural inflammatory response to the trauma of surgery. Swelling is also caused by the introduction of foreign matter (stitches or gauze) into the surgical site, as well as by poor post-operative habits such as smoking or not eating a healthy diet. Additionally, infection and fluid build-up at the surgical site can contribute to swelling.
Are Swelling And Pain Normal After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Swelling and pain after wisdom tooth removal is common and should be expected. Swelling may begin the day after surgery and can last up to two weeks. The swelling may also move from one side of the face to the other. Pain is also very common following wisdom teeth removal, with some patients experiencing more discomfort than others. Pain medications can help reduce any discomfort you may experience. It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for taking any prescribed medications, as well as adhering to any post-operative instructions they provide. If your swelling or pain does not improve after a few days, contact your dentist right away as this could be a sign of infection or other complications.
It is also important to eat soft foods, such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup for the first few days after your wisdom teeth have been removed. Avoid spicy or hard foods that could irritate the area where your wisdom teeth were removed. Additionally, be sure to keep your head elevated while sleeping and apply ice packs or cold compresses to reduce swelling. By following these steps you should begin feeling better in no time!
How Long Does The Swelling Last After Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
The swelling associated with wisdom teeth surgery can last between one and two weeks. Most people experience the most swelling during the first couple of days after the procedure, and the swelling is usually located in the face, jaw, and neck area. During this time it is important to apply ice packs to reduce the swelling. You may also want to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as recommended by your dentist or oral surgeon to help reduce discomfort.
It is important to follow the post-operative instructions given by your dentist or oral surgeon for optimal healing. This may include avoiding strenuous activity, not using a straw for drinking, avoiding smoking, and eating soft foods such as yogurt and applesauce. Additionally, good oral hygiene is important for healing and reducing any risk of infection.
If you notice that the swelling is still present after two weeks or if you have any other concerns about your recovery from wisdom teeth surgery, it is important to contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away as they will be able to advise you on what steps should be taken next.
How To Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Removing wisdom teeth can cause swelling, pain and discomfort. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the swelling and speed up the healing process. The most important thing is to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully and take any prescribed medications as directed. Here are some additional tips for reducing swelling after wisdom teeth removal.
Take Pain Medication
Take any prescribed pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed by your dentist. Pain medication will help reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with the surgery.
Apply a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling. Place a cold compress on the area for 10 minutes at a time several times throughout the day. Do not apply ice directly to your skin; instead, wrap it in a thin cloth before applying it to your face.
Elevate Your Head
Elevating your head helps reduce swelling by promoting drainage of excess fluid from the surgical site. Try sleeping with your head propped up on two or three pillows. You should also avoid strenuous activities that can increase blood flow to the area, such as working out or running.
Keep Your Mouth Clean
Keeping your mouth clean is important for proper healing after wisdom teeth removal. Brush your teeth regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush and salt water rinse several times per day to keep the area clean and free of bacteria that can cause infection. Avoid smoking or drinking through straws as these activities can disturb the healing process.
Following these tips should help reduce swelling after wisdom teeth removal and promote faster healing of the affected area. If you experience excessive pain or swelling that does not improve over time, contact your dentist immediately for further evaluation and treatment recommendations.
Avoid Eating Hard and Crunchy Foods
After wisdom teeth removal, it is important to avoid eating hard and crunchy foods. This includes chips, popcorn, nuts, raw vegetables, and other crunchy snacks. These types of foods can cause irritation to the area where the wisdom teeth were removed, leading to pain and discomfort. Additionally, these types of food can cause pieces of food to get stuck in the surgical site, which can lead to infection.
Avoid Chewing on the Same Side as Your Teeth Were Removed
It is also important to avoid chewing on the same side that your wisdom teeth were removed from. Chewing on this side can cause further irritation or damage to the surgical site. It is best to chew on the opposite side of your mouth until the area has healed completely.
Choose Soft Foods Instead
Instead of hard and crunchy foods, it is best to choose soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, soup, oatmeal, eggs, smoothies or other soft fruits and vegetables. These types of food are gentle on your mouth and will help speed up recovery time. Additionally, they provide essential nutrients that will help you heal faster after surgery.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is also important after wisdom teeth removal. Drinking plenty of fluids will help keep you hydrated and reduce swelling in your mouth. Avoid drinking carbonated drinks or alcohol as these can slow down recovery time or even cause infections in some cases.
Pain Medications Used To Treat Swelling After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Swelling and discomfort after wisdom teeth removal is a common occurrence. Pain medications are often used to help reduce this swelling and discomfort. Common pain medications used to treat swelling after wisdom teeth removal include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of enzymes that cause inflammation, thereby reducing swelling.
In addition to NSAIDs, opioids may be prescribed for more severe pain associated with wisdom teeth extraction. Opioids, such as codeine or hydrocodone, are powerful pain relievers that work by blocking the transmission of pain signals from the brain to the body. However, opioids can be highly addictive and should only be used when absolutely necessary.
Prescription strength corticosteroid medications may also be prescribed if the swelling is particularly severe or if there is an infection present. Corticosteroids work by decreasing the production of certain inflammatory hormones in the body, thereby reducing inflammation and swelling.
It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions regarding which medications to take after wisdom teeth removal and for how long. Over-the-counter medications should only be taken as directed on the label or as recommended by your dentist. It is also important to avoid taking more than one type of medication at a time unless specifically instructed by your dentist or doctor. Taking too much medication can lead to serious side effects such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and drowsiness.
Managing Discomfort During Wisdom Teeth Extraction Recovery
Recovering from wisdom teeth extraction can be uncomfortable. It is important to take measures to ensure that the recovery process is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here are some tips for managing discomfort during wisdom teeth extraction recovery:
Take Pain Medication: Your dentist or oral surgeon will likely prescribe you pain medication to help manage any discomfort that you may experience during the recovery period. Make sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for taking the medication.
Use Ice Packs: Applying ice packs can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the area where your wisdom teeth were extracted. Wrap an ice pack in a cloth before applying it to your face and hold it in place for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Avoid Hot Foods: Eating hot foods and beverages can increase swelling and pain after wisdom teeth extraction, so it is best to stick with cold or lukewarm foods until the swelling has gone down.
Do Not Smoke: Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase your risk of developing an infection after having your wisdom teeth removed, so it is important to avoid smoking during the recovery period.
Avoid Strenuous Activity: Avoid engaging in strenuous activities such as exercising or lifting heavy objects while you are recovering from wisdom teeth extraction, as these activities can increase swelling and discomfort.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor About Swollen Gums After Wisdom Teeth Surgery?
It is common to experience swelling of the gums following wisdom teeth surgery. This is usually due to the trauma caused by the extraction of the teeth and normal healing process. However, it is important to be aware of when this swelling should be of concern, and when it is necessary to contact your doctor.
If you experience severe swelling that does not subside after a few days, or if you have any other symptoms such as redness, tenderness or pus, then it is recommended that you contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs of an infection and should be treated promptly. It is also important to keep an eye out for any signs of fever or excessive bleeding which could also be indicative of an infection.
Your doctor will likely recommend a course of antibiotics if they suspect an infection. If this does not resolve the issue within a few days, then they may suggest further treatments such as root canal therapy or even additional surgery. In some cases, oral rinses or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed in order to reduce pain and discomfort.
It is important to follow your doctor’s advice closely and make sure that you attend all follow-up appointments as recommended. If you feel that your symptoms are worsening or not improving despite treatment, then do not hesitate to contact your doctor again for further assessment and advice.
Conclusion
Swollen for after wisdom teeth can last up to a few days, but can be reduced by taking pain relief medication and staying hydrated. Applying cold compresses to the area can also help reduce swelling. It is important to avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and eating hard foods while you are swollen. Following the advice of your dentist helps ensure that swelling is kept to a minimum and that you make a full recovery from your wisdom teeth extraction.
Remember that healing is a process and it will take some time before you feel completely better after having your wisdom teeth removed. In the meantime, try to stay positive and enjoy the recovery process with patience. Don’t forget to follow any instructions given by your dentist or surgeon!