The time has come for you to finally have your wisdom teeth extracted or another oral surgery procedure. The surgery goes fine and you try to return to work or school a couple of days later only to have everyone point out that you look like a chipmunk. You feel just fine, so why are your cheeks so swollen?
The cheeks get swollen after an oral surgery procedure because your body is attempting to heal the damaged tissue. Oral surgery is often a traumatic experience on the body, so in turn, your body tries to heal the site of the extraction or procedure as quickly as possible. Swelling helps this process, but you should know that this is a perfectly healthy and normal response. Your body is simply trying to heal from the dental trauma of the procedure.
On to the most important question - how long will it last? If you experience swelling after a dental procedure, you'll be ready to get your old face back as soon as possible. It is expected that swelling levels will peak 24-48 hours after the procedure. While it might stick around for a few days, it shouldn't get any worse. If you find that the swelling is continuing to worsen after three days, this could be the sign of an infection and you should call your oral surgeon.
While swelling is a normal part of the oral surgery process, there are ways that you can treat it. Your oral surgeon could prescribe you corticosteroids to reduce cheek swelling, and applying a hot compress to your cheek beginning on the third day following surgery can help swelling to go down. Also try to keep your head elevated any time that you lay down.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are concerned with any post-surgical symptoms that you experience, be sure to contact our dental office at (608) 274-0770.