Swelling After Dental Extractions or “Wisdom Teeth” Removal

Swelling, at the corner of your jaw and cheeks, is normal. It will generally increase up to 2 or 3 days after the surgery before starting to decrease. Swelling can be decreased by applying ice at the corners of your jaw for the first 24 hours. A bag of ice, or frozen vegetables, wrapped in a cloth or towel can be placed on your face and jaws and held there. Generally 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off for the first day (except when sleeping at night) helps to reduce swelling. Remember that the swelling will generally peak on the 2nd or 3rd day after the surgery.