Swelling is a natural reaction of the gums and jawbone after such a surgical procedure. Please read our article if you want to know the answer to the question: How can I reduce swelling after wisdom teeth removal?
How Can I Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Swelling occurs after tooth extraction because your immune system releases inflammatory cells to protect the surgical area from infection, leading to increased blood flow and fluid accumulation. It is a natural process which typically subsides within a couple of days after the procedure. Here are several tips on how to keep swelling in check after wisdom teeth removal:
Keep Your Head Alleviated
Keep your head elevated at all times to prevent excessive blood flow to the surgery site. Do not lean forward and use an additional pillow when lying down. Additionally, you can sleep in a half-sitting position, for example, in a reclining chair. Another option is to use an airplane neck pillow in addition to your other pillows to support the head and prevent it from rolling onto the surgery side, increasing swelling.
Keep Bacteria in Check
- Reduce inflammation and bacteria by gently rinsing your mouth with chamomile extract or salt water solutions several times a day, especially after meals. Be careful not to swoosh the water too harshly in the surgery area to avoid disturbing the blood clot in the socket.
- Maintain impeccable oral hygiene to prevent infections, which can inevitably lead to an increase in swelling. Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly twice a day, being gentle when cleaning around the surgery site.
Use Cold Compresses
Use an ice pack or a special over-the-counter cold pack for your compresses. Apply it to the outer side of your cheek or jaw on the surgery side and hold it for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Always take 30-minute breaks between compress applications. You can repeat the procedure 3 to 4 times a day.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
Switch to liquid and soft foods to reduce the strain put on the jawbone by chewing harder foods. The more you let your jawbone rest, the sooner the swelling will go away. However, be sure to eat nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals to provide your body with the building blocks it needs for healing and regeneration.
Get Plenty of Rest
Let your whole body rest too. Sleep as much as possible and relax during the day to promote healing, which, in turn, will help reduce swelling.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
Cancel sports and any other strenuous activities for 7 to 10 days after a tooth extraction. Exercising increases blood flow, which, in turn, can lead to increased swelling and even cause bleeding.
Take Medication that Your Dentist Prescribes
In some cases, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and inflammation of the surgery site, especially if the case is complicated. Take the entire course of the prescribed medication, as reducing the infection will also help reduce swelling.
If you experience pain in addition to swelling, consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Ibuprofen. Such medication is designed not only to alleviate the pain, but also to combat inflammation, reducing swelling as a result.
Always take medications strictly according to the provided instructions or your doctor’s recommendations and never exceed the safe daily dose.
Get a Safe Wisdom Teeth Removal at Shodhan DHS
If you need wisdom teeth removal or post-surgery care, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Shodhan DHS. We strive to provide our patients with safe and stress-free procedures. We are looking forward to your visit.
