Facial swelling after surgery or tooth extraction

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• Publication date: 05/26/1404
• Editing date: 07/01/1404
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• Study time: 8 minutes
• Confirmed by: Dr. Nazi Banianian

Reasons of facial swelling after tooth extraction or surgery

• Damage to the tissues around the tooth
• Increased blood flow at the surgical site
• Natural response of the body's immune system
• Release of inflammatory substances (Histamine, Prostaglandin)
• Long duration of surgery
• Complication of operation (such as impacted wisdom tooth)
• Formation of blood clot at the site of the extracted tooth
• Age and general condition of the patient
• Suffering from underlying diseases (diabetes, immune deficiency)
• Non-observance of postoperative care

Table of contents

Approved by Dr. Benianian dental specialists

The content of this article is only to increase your awareness. Before any action, seek advice from dentistry Dr. Benyanian for treatment.

Swelling after extraction or dental surgery is one of the most common reactions that many patients experience after dental treatments. Maybe it has happened to you that after wisdom tooth extraction or gum surgery, you wake up the next morning with cheek or jaw swelling and worry about whether there is a problem or not.

In this article from Dr. Banyanian's dental website, we will fully and scientifically examine why the face swells after tooth surgery, how long does good swelling last. How long is this swelling normal and when should we worry about it!

Facial swelling after surgery or tooth extraction

Facial swelling after surgery or tooth pulling is actually a natural response from the body to tissue damage. When a tooth is extracted or operated, the tissues around that tooth, including the gum, bone, muscles and blood vessels, become irritated and tooth inflammation. So the body sends a lot of fluid and immune cells to the operation site to repair this area. The accumulation of these fluids in the surrounding soft tissue causes the face to appear swollen and a little stiff.

So in simple words, swelling = fluid accumulation + inflammatory response of the body to heal the wound.

This condition is usually normal and temporary and subsides in most patients after 2-3 days.

The main cause of swelling after surgery or tooth extraction

Swelling is a natural reaction from the body. But what are the main causes of swelling after tooth extraction?

1. Damage to the tissues around the teeth

During tooth extraction, the gums, jaw bone and sometimes the surrounding soft tissues are under pressure or cut. So, the body sends inflammatory fluids and immune cells to the damaged area to repair these areas. This fluid accumulation causes facial swelling after dental surgery.

Read more: What is wisdom tooth

2. Increased blood flow in the surgical site

After tooth extraction, blood vessels dilate so that more nutrients and repair cells can reach the surgical site. This increase in blood flow and fluid accumulation in tissues is one of the main reasons for facial swelling after tooth extraction. 3. Immune system reaction

The immune system sends white blood cells to the surgical area to prevent infection. And when these cells gather together with the body's defense fluids, the volume of the tissue increases and swelling occurs in the jaw and face area.

4. Release of inflammatory substances (mediators)

When the dentist is busy pulling a tooth, tissue cells around the pulled tooth release substances such as histamine and prostaglandin from themselves. These substances cause blood vessels to dilate and fluid to flow out of the vessels to the surrounding tissue, which results in swelling.

5. Severity and duration of surgery

The harder and longer the tooth extraction is (for example, in the case of hidden wisdom tooth extraction), the amount of tissue damage will be greater. As a result, the body shows a more severe inflammatory reaction and more severe swelling occurs.

6. Formation of a blood clot in the place of the extracted tooth

After tooth extraction, a blood clot forms in the tooth cavity. A clot that plays an important role in wound healing. Around this clot, the accumulation of cells and restorative fluids occurs, and this causes swelling and a feeling of pressure in the face. Severity of facial swelling after tooth extraction

• Type of surgery: More complex surgeries such as removal of wisdom teeth or gum surgery, cause more swelling.
• Duration of operation: The longer the surgery, the more inflammation occurs.
• Patient age: Younger people usually have more inflammation. Of course, their healing process is also faster.
• Immune system: People who have a weak immune system or underlying diseases may experience longer swelling.
• Post-surgery care: The correct use of cold compresses, prescription drugs and following the dentist's recommendations will significantly reduce the amount of swelling.

The difference between swelling after tooth extraction and swelling after dental surgery

The type of treatment, the severity of swelling, the usual duration and explanation Simple tooth, less than 24 to 48 hours, slight and temporary swelling, wisdom tooth extraction, moderate to severe, 3 to 5 days, swelling and bruising are common, gum surgery or implant, average 2 to 4 days, depending on the amount of surgery, extensive surgery, fake surgery, more than 5 to 10 days, requires special care and drug control

When is swelling normal and when is it dangerous? Caused by tooth extraction, it is usually a natural response of the body to tissue damage. This type of swelling has the following characteristics:

• Onset: 4 to 8 hours after oral and dental surgery.
• Swelling peak: It reaches its maximum on the second and third day.
• Reduction: It gradually subsides from the fourth day onwards.
• Duration: Lasts between 3 to 7 days.
• Severity: It is accompanied by mild to moderate pain that can be controlled with painkillers.
• Location: It is limited around the pulled tooth or the same side of the face.

This type of swelling is not only cause for concern, but also a sign of an active immune system and the body's healing process.

⚠️ Dangerous or abnormal swelling of the face after dental surgery

Sometimes swelling is a sign of an infection or a serious complication. is So you should know its signs so that if it happens, you can go to the dentist immediately. Symptoms of dangerous swelling include:

• Severe swelling that increases every day instead of decreasing.
• Fever and chills or a general feeling of illness with swelling.
• Pus discharge, bad breath or a persistent bad taste that indicates infection. Neck.
• Disturbance in breathing or swallowing due to the spread of infection.

In such a situation, you should immediately go to the dentist or emergency room. Because there is a possibility of more serious infections such as tooth abscess or the spread of infection to deep tissues of the neck.

Methods to reduce swelling after tooth extraction or surgery

You can use the following methods to reduce the swelling of your face after tooth extraction:

Correct use of cold compress

Cold compress is one of the best things you can do to control swelling in the first hours after extraction or dental surgery. Because placing ice or a cold bag wrapped in a towel on the cheek causes the blood vessels to constrict and reduce blood flow in the surgical area.

This will prevent excessive accumulation of fluids in the tissues and as a result will reduce the swelling of your face.

Of course, the important point is that the cold compress should only be used in the first 24 hours and placed on the face for about 15 to 20 minutes each time, then rest for 15 minutes to prevent the skin from freezing.

Using warm compress in the following days

After 48 hours of tooth extraction or surgery, warm compress It can help reduce the swelling of your face. Because heat increases blood flow and accelerates tissue repair. This will help inflammatory fluids to be absorbed faster and bruises to disappear sooner.

Note that the use of warm compress is prohibited in the early hours. Because it can aggravate inflammation of a surgically removed tooth.

Use of anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers

The dentist usually prescribes drugs such as ibuprofen, gelofen or baclofen to reduce inflammation and control your pain. These drugs play an important role in controlling swelling. Because they inhibit the inflammatory pathways of the body.

So if your dentist prescribes you medicine, be sure to take it regularly and according to the doctor's order so that you don't get involved in complications such as facial swelling after tooth extraction.

Adequate rest and avoiding intense activity

One of the factors that can worsen facial swelling after surgery is intense activity immediately after surgery. For example, heavy exercise, lifting objects or even bending a lot. All these actions increase the blood pressure in the head and face, which increases the swelling. For this reason, it is recommended that patients rest for at least 24 to 48 hours after tooth extraction or surgery and refrain from heavy physical activities. Teeth also play a big role in controlling facial swelling after tooth extraction. So, include soft, cold or lukewarm foods such as thin soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, ice cream and smoothies in your agenda and avoid eating hard, spicy, hot foods or carbonated drinks so as not to irritate your wound area. Especially considering that infection can aggravate the swelling.

So don't forget to gently brush the teeth around the treated area (without direct contact with the surgical area) and use mild mouthwash or lukewarm salt water solution from the second day onwards.

Sleeping in the right position

The way you sleep after surgery is another factor that affects the severity of facial swelling after dental surgery.

Nazi Banyanian:

In the first 24 to 48 hours, instead of lying flat, keep your head a little higher than your body level by placing one or two extra pillows under your head so that blood and fluids do not accumulate in your head and face. Nicotine in cigarettes disrupts blood flow and increases the risk of infection. Therefore, it is recommended that patients refrain from smoking and alcoholic beverages for at least one week after tooth extraction or surgery. and nutrients

Foods rich in vitamin C, vitamin D and protein accelerate the tissue repair process and are effective in reducing swelling. Consuming fruits, fresh vegetables, low-fat milk and dairy products, and enough water can help the body control inflammation faster.

Follow-up and see a dentist

The most important thing to control facial swelling is to strictly follow the dentist's recommendations. Remember that each patient has his own conditions and only a doctor can decide what medicine or care is right for him.

So if you see any abnormal swelling or signs of infection, going to the dentist quickly is the best way to prevent serious problems.

Summary of why the face swells after dental surgery

Swelling after tooth extraction or surgery is a natural reaction of the body to tissue damage and is often nothing to worry about. This swelling usually peaks on the second and third day and then gradually decreases. Swelling can be minimized by following the dentist's recommendations, using cold compresses, and taking medications.

If the swelling is accompanied by fever, pus, or severe pain, it is necessary to see a dentist immediately to prevent infection and serious problems.

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  Frequently asked questions about facial swelling after surgery or tooth extraction

  How long does swelling last after wisdom tooth extraction?

  It usually lasts 3 to 5 days and gradually decreases after the fourth day.

  Is swelling after tooth extraction normal?

  Yes, it is a natural reaction of the body to repair tissues and in most cases There is nothing to worry about.

  What makes the swelling worse?

  Not using cold compresses, eating hot foods, vigorous physical activity and not following the dentist's instructions.

  When should I worry about swelling after dental surgery?

  If it is accompanied by fever, pus, severe pain or swelling in the neck and eyes, you should see a doctor immediately.

  Does swelling cause facial deformity?

  No, swelling is temporary and will disappear completely after a few days.

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