Introduction
A swelling after the wisdom tooth surgery is completely normal and usually no cause for concern. It is more likely the more extensive the surgery is and the longer it has lasted. Since the surrounding tissues are heavily stressed and traumatized during the wisdom tooth surgery, there is a subsequent swelling during the wound healing process.
For normal swelling after wisdom tooth surgery
The swelling usually appears the next day. It accumulates increased fluid in the injured tissue. This cannot be removed by the body so quickly and is part of the normal healing process.
The swelling after the operation usually reaches its peak after 24 to 36 hours. The strength and extent of the swelling depends on the extent and duration of the wisdom tooth surgery. The less invasive and shorter the surgery, the less swelling will occur.
In addition, the individual constitution of the patient also plays a role, i.e. the physical condition of the patient. Patients with weak connective tissue tend to have more severe swellings. The swelling can develop over the entire cheek of the affected side and can extend to the eyelid.
The tissue feels warm and the skin is taut. The swelling can cause a restricted mouth opening, which must be observed and should be checked by a dentist if further restrictions are present. The swelling after wisdom tooth surgery can last up to a week.
It reaches its peak within the first 24 to 36 hours. If the swelling continues to increase after this time and also feels firm, you should visit your dentist, as this could be not only a normal swelling but also an inflammation. In addition, the extent of the swelling and its duration varies from person to person and also depends on the physical situation of the patient.
Someone with poorer connective tissue suffers more often from long and extensive swelling than other patients. The duration of the swelling can be reduced by sparing the affected area and sufficient cooling. The swelling disappears by itself in the course of healing.
If the wound shows a good healing process, the swelling will subside. This should usually happen from the third day onwards. Swelling after wisdom tooth surgery cannot be completely prevented.
In order to reduce it, one should start cooling immediately after the surgery.
- To do this, you should use suitable cool packs and never place them directly on the skin, but always wrap a cloth around them, for example a tea towel, to prevent hypothermia and damage to the skin.
- A cold and damp cheek pad for the first two days can also help, for example in the form of a cold damp washcloth.
- One should not lie down flat, but place the head a little higher to avoid heat accumulation between the affected cheek and the pillow.
- Hot food and drinks should also be avoided in the first 36 hours.
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as bromelain (Bromelain-POS®), a mixture of pineapple enzymes, can also help.
In order to counteract swelling, one can start taking the homeopathic remedy Arnica three days before the operation. Arnica is used for injuries and tissue damage and is said to relieve pain and swelling.
It can be taken in the form of globules (5 globules 3 times a day). In addition, one should start cooling immediately after the operation and take care of oneself physically. It is important to avoid heat, sauna, solarium and hot food and drinks should be avoided. Some dentists give a cortisone preparation for swelling prophylaxis in case of major operations and if necessary during the treatment, please consult your dentist.
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