How to reduce swelling after getting wisdom teeth removed

Wisdom teeth are your third molars, the furthest ones back in your mouth. They got their name because they typically appear when you’re between the ages of 17 and 21, when you’re more mature and have more wisdom.

If your wisdom teeth emerge correctly then they’ll help you chew and shouldn’t cause any problems. If there isn’t enough room for them to come out in the proper position, your dentist will refer to them as impacted.

When your wisdom teeth start to break through your gums, it’s normal to have some discomfort and swelling of your gums.

Once your wisdom teeth come through your gums, there could be complications that result in more swelling, including if they:

  • emerge only partially, allowing bacteria into the gums and jaw
  • aren’t positioned correctly, allowing food to become stuck and promoting the growth of cavity-causing bacteria
  • allow for formation of a cyst that can damage teeth and the bone that holds your teeth

Swollen gums can also be caused by a vitamin deficiency or gingivitis, but typically that swelling wouldn’t be isolated to your wisdom teeth.

If your swelling is caused or worsened by a piece of food stuck in the area, rinse your mouth thoroughly. Your dentist might recommend warm salt water or an antiseptic oral rinse. Once the food’s washed away, your swelling should reduce on its own.

Other ways to deal with wisdom teeth swelling include:

  • apply an ice packs or cold compress directly to the swollen area or to your face next to the swelling
  • suck on ice chips, keeping them on or near the swollen area
  • take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
  • avoid things that can irritate your gums, such as alcohol and tobacco

Experiencing some swelling and pain when your wisdom teeth come in isn’t unusual. Once your wisdom teeth are in, you may have swelling from a number of causes, such as lodged food or bacteria getting into your gums.

Once the cause is addressed, the swelling can usually be managed with items such as ice packs and NSAIDs.

If you experience pain or infections regularly, head to your dentist. They may recommend wisdom teeth removal to help your constant pain.

How to reduce swelling after getting wisdom teeth removed

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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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