How Long Will the Swelling Last After Oral Surgery?

Getting annoyed with the swelling after oral surgery? Well, you do need to be patient. This is your body’s natural response and is a crucial part of the healing process. You will experience this after tooth extractions, implants, or gum surgery. This inflammation is quite temporary. You can get rid of it typically within a few days.

Go through this blog to learn how long this swelling will last after a dental operation and how to take care of yourself during this period.

How Long Will Your Swelling Last After Oral Surgery?

The intensity of your swelling largely depends on the procedure and your healing ability. However, there is an average timeline to guide you:

Initial Swelling

Your surgery site will start to swell right after the operation. Your body will send extra blood and immune cells to the affected area. You might notice slight bruising and stiffness of the jaw during the healing stage. This stage lasts for 1-2 days.

Peak Swelling Period

Your swelling will reach its highest point on the second or third day after your surgery. Your surgery site might feel tight and uncomfortable. Follow the necessary post-op care instructions to manage your inflammation.

Reduction In Inflammation

Your swelling will start to subside right after this peaking period. You will feel a noticeable decrease in inflammation by the end of the first week. The bruising might also start to fade.

After 1 week

After crossing the 1-week mark, your inflammation should be almost gone. However, you might still have some residual oral surgery swelling if you underwent complex procedures like multiple tooth extractions, jaw surgery, etc. You might need a few weeks to heal completely.

How To Reduce Swelling After Oral Surgery?

You can take a few proactive steps to reduce swelling after oral surgery. Here is what you can do:

• You can apply a cold compress to your inflamed site for 15-20 mins. It might constrict your blood vessels and reduce the swelling. Do this in the first 24-48 hours after surgery.
• Switch to a warm compress after your initial inflammation goes down. The warmth will increase your blood circulation and reduce jaw stiffness.
• Proper hydration is a necessity during your healing period. Drink plenty of water and stick to soft food items like smoothies, yogurt, etc.
• Try to keep your head in an elevated position while sleeping. This will prevent blood accumulation around the surgical site and reduce swelling.
• Suffering from unbearable pain? The dentist might give you anti-inflammatory medicines and painkillers.

Do You Need To See A Dentist For Swelling After Oral Surgery?

In general, you might not need to see a dentist specifically for inflammation after undergoing surgery. Good quality care and oral hygiene should be more than enough to heal you. However, if your swelling refuses to go down or you keep experiencing persistent pain, it might be a sign of dental complication.

You might also experience a bad taste in your mouth and a fever because of an infection at your operation site. Visit a dentist immediately.

Inflammation after dental surgery is a common and expected reaction. Your body goes through this stage to heal you. Following the care instructions should be more than enough to heal you within a few weeks. In case of severe swelling and pain, you should seek professional care at the right time.

Have you undergone a surgery recently? Contact us for a consultation today!