Why Are My Cheeks Swollen After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Swelling after wisdom teeth removal is a completely normal part of the healing process. It's your body's natural response to the trauma of surgery. While some swelling is expected, excessive or prolonged swelling warrants a call to your oral surgeon. Understanding the causes can help you manage expectations and know when to seek further medical attention.
What Causes Swelling After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The swelling you experience is primarily due to inflammation. Several factors contribute:
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Surgical Trauma: The extraction process itself causes injury to the tissues in your mouth and jaw. This injury triggers an inflammatory response. The more complex the extraction (e.g., impacted wisdom teeth requiring bone removal), the greater the swelling.
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Blood Clots: A blood clot forms naturally at the extraction site to stop bleeding and begin the healing process. However, the formation and absorption of this clot can contribute to localized swelling and pressure.
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Infection: While less common with proper post-operative care, infection can significantly worsen swelling. Signs of infection might include increased pain, pus, fever, and worsening swelling despite following post-operative instructions.
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Bruising: Bruising (hematoma) often accompanies swelling. Blood vessels are inevitably damaged during the extraction, leading to discoloration and swelling in the surrounding tissues. This bruising can spread to the cheeks, jaw, and even down the neck.
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Body's Inflammatory Response: The body's natural inflammatory response to injury leads to swelling, redness, and pain. This is a protective mechanism to fight off infection and promote healing. This inflammatory response can last for several days, and possibly even weeks, following the procedure.
How Long Does Swelling Last After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The duration of swelling varies greatly from person to person. Generally, you can expect:
- Peak Swelling: Swelling usually peaks around 2-3 days post-surgery.
- Gradual Reduction: After the peak, the swelling begins to subside gradually.
- Complete Resolution: Most swelling should resolve within 7-10 days, but some residual swelling might linger for several weeks.
What Can I Do to Reduce Swelling?
Following your oral surgeon's post-operative instructions is crucial. However, several measures can help manage swelling:
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Ice Packs: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help reduce inflammation in the initial days after surgery.
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Elevation: Keeping your head elevated when resting helps reduce swelling by improving blood flow.
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Gentle Rinsing: After the initial 24 hours, your surgeon might recommend gentle rinsing with saltwater to keep the extraction site clean and promote healing. Avoid aggressive rinsing.
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Medication: Your oral surgeon will likely prescribe pain and anti-inflammatory medications. Taking these as directed is crucial for pain management and reducing swelling.
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Diet: Stick to a soft food diet to avoid irritating the extraction site. Avoid using straws, as sucking can dislodge blood clots.
When Should I Call My Oral Surgeon?
While some swelling is expected, contact your oral surgeon immediately if:
- Severe swelling increases after the initial 2-3 days.
- You develop a high fever (over 101°F or 38.3°C).
- You experience excessive bleeding.
- You have increasing pain despite medication.
- You notice signs of infection, such as pus or foul odor.
Remember, this information is for general knowledge and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your oral surgeon or dentist for any concerns related to your wisdom tooth extraction. They can provide personalized guidance and address any specific questions you may have.
