Managing Swelling & Pain After Wisdom Tooth Surgery
To manage swelling and pain after wisdom tooth surgery, use ice packs then moist heat, take prescribed pain meds, rest with your head elevated, eat soft foods, stay hydrated, and gently rinse with warm salt water after the first day, avoiding spitting or strenuous activity to protect the blood clot.
For swelling (first 1–3 days):
– Ice packs: Apply cold packs of rice in a bad/towel for 20 mins on, 20 mins off, for the first 24–48 hours to constrict blood vessels and reduce fluid buildup.
– Head Elevation; sleep with your head propped up on pillows to prevent blood pooling and throbbing.
– Moist heat: After the first day or two, warm, damp cloths can help with lingering stiffness and swelling.
For pain and inflammation:
– Medication: Take the medications prompted by you even if you feel okay, to control inflammation, use prescribed narcotics for breakthrough pain.
– Rest: Avoid bending, heavy lifting, and strenuous activity for atleast 24–48 hours.
– No Straws: Suction from straws can dislodge the blood clot, so avoid them.
At the Smile Team, we provide our clients with the best treatment options for them so book a consultation with Dr. Abid Hidayat today. We are open Mondays to Saturdays and speak GUJARATI, HINDI, URDU, TAGALOG and ARABIC. You can reach our family dental care office in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, by calling 416-546-5599.