Why Cheeks Get Swollen After Wisdom Teeth Removal

If you have already had your wisdom teeth removed, you may know that it is quite common to resemble a chipmunk after. Not to worry, as this is a normal response. Your cheeks swell up because your body is going through a process that will help heal the tissue that was damaged. Swelling and inflammation helps the healing to progress.

Tips to Reduce Swelling After Wisdom Teeth Extraction:  

• 0-24 hours: Apply ice for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off.
• 24-48 hours: Don’t apply ice or heat.
• 48 hours: Apply heat.
• Keep your head elevated when resting and sleeping. Ideally, have your head propped up on pillows.
• Ask your dentist or oral surgeon for their advice re: pain killers and anti-inflammatory medication.

In most cases, the swelling will peak around 24 hours after surgery. If you should happen to notice increased swelling after 3 days, contact your dentist or oral surgeon. This could possibly be a sign of infection, so you need to get it taken care of as soon as possible.

Within the next 3 or 4 days, your swelling should go down, and completely subside within a week.

Note: it is common to have more swelling on the morning. It will then drop later in the day from standing up because the fluid will drain downwards.

Is it time to get your wisdom teeth removed? If you live in the Surrey area, book a consultation at our clinic – Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry.