Introduction
A thick cheek is usually a so-called abscess. This describes an encapsulated accumulation of pus, which develops around an inflammation in a newly created cavity. A thick cheek in the sense of a swelling without an abscess usually occurs after tooth removal, e.g. during wisdom tooth surgery.
This severe swelling can spread considerably if not treated, but does not migrate, as is often described by patients. The capsule protects the rest of the body from a systemic inflammatory reaction. However, if the swelling spreads so far that the vessels are reached, the bacteria from the inflammation can break through the capsule and trigger a systemic immune reaction. The pus is the immune response of the white blood cells against the inflammatory germs.
Causes
In general, an abscess is caused by a causal inflammatory reaction that seeks to enlarge. It is noticeable that more and more patients with a thick cheek arrive at the emergency room as soon as the weather gets warmer. Sudden increases in temperature cause more abscesses, which is why dentists refer to it as “abscess weather”.
Inflammation spreads particularly well and develops more rapidly under warm conditions, because the bacteria causing the inflammation multiply more rapidly when the temperature rises. In the oral cavity, most abscesses are caused by a localized inflammation below a root tip or gum pocket. The inflammation encapsulates itself from the site of origin, pus accumulates and the “boil” begins to grow, causing swelling.
Furthermore, the inflammation can also cause the mucous membrane and the skin to form a canal through which pus can drain away. The exit point of this fistula passage manifests itself both inside the mouth or outside as swelling and forms the exit of the channel through which secretion is constantly being secreted. This case is more advantageous for the patient, because the swelling does not take on such a large extent and does not increase so quickly, since the germs are constantly discharged through the canal.
A root canal treatment is an attempt to save a tooth and heal the previous inflammation below the root tip. The chance of a successful root canal treatment is very high with today’s techniques. However, a thick cheek can be the result of a failed therapy.
If the dentist does not manage to eliminate all pathogens below the root tip and disinfect everything sterilely, the inflammation can spread again and form an abscess. The remaining bacteria often multiply rapidly and lead to a pronounced swelling. It is also possible that filling material is pressed beyond the root tip during root canal treatment.
This cannot be absorbed by the body and is recognized by the immune system as foreign material and attacked. An inflammatory reaction develops, in which an abscess is formed. The body tries to encapsulate and remove the substance, which can manifest itself as an abscess or fistula tract.
If a swelling of the cheek, i.e. a ‘thick cheek’ appears a few days after a tooth has been extracted, a doctor should be consulted immediately. This is most likely a bacterial infection. The bacteria of the oral cavity could penetrate the wound caused by the tooth extraction.
An inflammation has developed which must be treated as soon as possible. Heat and physical exertion should be avoided at all costs so that the swelling does not increase. Instead, the cheek should be cooled.
If necessary, the inflammation must be fought with an antibiotic prescribed by the dentist. The development of a ‘thick cheek’ after a wisdom tooth extraction, i.e. the extraction of a wisdom tooth, is not unusual. It occurs in most cases and is not a cause for concern.
One can counteract the swelling by cooling. Furthermore it can be rinsed with chamomile. There are many other ways to reduce the appearance of the thick cheek.
In general, the swelling is often accompanied by wound healing pain. In this case, painkillers such as ibuprofen prescribed by the doctor can be used to alleviate the pain that often accompanies the thick cheek.
- Swelling after wisdom tooth surgery
- Inflammation after wisdom tooth surgery
A ‘thick cheek’ or a swelling of the cheek is in most cases completely normal after the insertion of a dental implant.In many cases it is accompanied by a kind of throbbing and sensitivity at the affected area.
The swelling is often most severe on the second day. The reason for this is that people have gone to sleep at night and more blood has entered the head region. The swelling should subside after about 4 days.
If this is not the case and the swelling is accompanied by other symptoms such as redness of the affected area, fever or fatigue, a doctor should be consulted for clarification. It is possible that the wound has become infected. In general, one should take care not to drink alcohol, coffee or black tea and only eat soft food in the first week after the implantation.
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