How long will face be swollen after extraction?

Author: Prof. Ella Cremin  |  Last update: Thursday, May 8, 2025

You might be able to see the swelling outside the mouth and have some bruising. The swelling can appear in the first 48 hours after surgery. It usually lasts for 5 to 7 days before getting better. This is a normal part of the healing process and does not mean that you have an infection.

How long should my face be swollen after tooth extraction?

3-5 Days: The swelling should gradually begin to subside. You might notice some bruising around the surgical site alongside the swelling. 7-10 Days: Most of the swelling should be gone by this point. Any remaining puffiness should be minimal and barely noticeable.

How to get rid of swollen face from tooth extraction?

FAQs About Swelling After Tooth Extraction
  1. First 24 hours: Apply a cold compress for 20-30 minutes at a time.
  2. After 24 hours: Switch to a warm compress to promote blood flow.
  3. Medications: Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (consult your dentist first).

When does swelling peak after extraction?

24-48 hours - Swelling will peak 2-3 days following the extraction.

How long does it take for the hole to close after tooth extraction?

Within 14-21 days, the hole will close, and your gums will heal. Keep in mind that large teeth, like the back teeth and wisdom teeth removal, takes the longest to heal. After a month, your tooth hole should be completely healed, and there should be no spicules or indentations.

SWELLING from WISDOM TOOTH REMOVAL - This is how you can prevent a SWOLLEN FACE

How long does it take for a socket to heal after a tooth extraction?

If your tooth has a single root, the wound will not be extensive, and it will heal relatively fast. In most cases, it will take a week. Complete healing will take place roughly two weeks after the extraction. But, if the tooth is big and has several roots, it will take no less than three weeks for the socket to heal.

When is dry socket no longer a risk?

For most patients who've had a tooth extracted, that healing should take between seven and ten days. Once the wound has healed, the blood clot from the extraction is no longer required to shield the underlying tissue, and the risk of a dry socket goes away completely.

What is the most painful day after tooth extraction?

The most painful day after a tooth extraction typically falls between the second and third day, when swelling and discomfort peak. To ensure a smoother recovery, follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your dentist. If the pain persists or worsens, seek advice from your oral surgeon.

How do I know if my tooth extraction is healing properly?

Indications of proper healing after a tooth extraction include decreased pain and swelling within a few days, gradual improvement in discomfort, formation of a blood clot in the socket, pinkish tissue developing over the extraction site, and a normal or slightly elevated body temperature.

Why is my cheek swollen after dental work?

The swelling of the cheeks happens when your body starts to heal the damage from the surgery. While it can be uncomfortable to have swollen cheeks, it is perfectly normal and expected. Swelling will peak between 24 to 48 hours after surgery and will begin subsiding after that.

Does ibuprofen reduce swelling after tooth extraction?

After a tooth extraction, it is common to experience swelling around the extraction site. While this is a natural part of the healing process, it can still be a source of discomfort. Thankfully, a cold compress and ibuprofen are usually more than adequate to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

How to make swelling go down on face fast?

What can I do at home to treat a puffy face?
  1. Keep your head elevated to reduce fluid buildup in your face.
  2. Place a cold compress on your face to help with inflammation and swelling.
  3. Take pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®).

Does pineapple reduce swelling?

In addition, reductions in pain and swelling were significantly higher in both the bromelain and pineapple groups (p < 0.0001 for almost all patients, at all intervals) than in the placebo group. The active groups also demonstrated a significant difference in QoL compared to the placebo group (p < 0.001).

How to reduce swelling face after tooth extraction?

Reduce swelling

To make an ice pack, put ice in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel or cloth. Put the ice pack on your cheek for 10 minutes. Then remove it for 5 minutes.

Does throbbing mean healing tooth extraction?

Throbbing pain after tooth extraction is a common experience due to the body's natural healing process. It is typically mild to moderate and gradually decreases in intensity as the healing progresses.

How can I make my tooth extraction heal faster?

Tooth extraction aftercare

Here are some general guidelines for a speedy recovery: Keep the extraction site clean. Gently rinse the area with an antimicrobial mouthwash two to three times a day. Avoid brushing directly over your extraction site until your dentist tells you it's safe to do so.

What are the red flags after tooth extraction?

Facial swelling worsens after a couple of days. Swollen glands. Swelling and redness in the gum tissue. Pus in and around the extraction site.

Is day 3 the worst after tooth extraction?

The swelling will build over the first 48 to 72 hours and then plateau for 2-3 days making the 3rd-5th days the worst for pain and swelling. A low grade fever is common immediately after the surgery but to call if the fever exceeds 101 degrees.

How long will my face be swollen after tooth extraction?

You might be able to see the swelling outside the mouth and have some bruising. The swelling can appear in the first 48 hours after surgery. It usually lasts for 5 to 7 days before getting better. This is a normal part of the healing process and does not mean that you have an infection.

What is the best painkiller for tooth extraction?

We suggest you take 600mg of ibuprofen and 1000mg of acetaminophen at the same time. If this does not give you adequate pain relief you can alternate the 600mg of Ibuprofen with the prescribed pain medication, eliminating the acetaminophen.

How do you know if something is wrong after tooth extraction?

Swelling That Doesn't Improve

Swelling is a normal response to tooth extraction, typically peaking within the first 48 hours. However, if swelling worsens after this period or does not improve, it may suggest an infection or other complications that need attention.

How do I check myself for a dry socket?

Symptoms of dry socket may include:
  1. Severe pain within a few days after removing a tooth.
  2. Loss of part or all of the blood clot at the tooth removal site. ...
  3. Bone that you can see in the socket.
  4. Pain that spreads from the socket to your ear, eye, temple or neck on the same side of your face as the tooth removal.

Why is my gum still sore 7 days after extraction?

If pain persists after seven days, it could be a sign of infection. Bacteria may enter the extraction site and cause an infection, especially if proper post-extraction care wasn't followed. Signs of infection include swelling, fever, pus around the extraction site, and continued throbbing pain.

When can I stop being scared of dry socket?

In a nutshell, when it comes to a dry socket, you can stop worrying about it on days 3-4 because that is when the socket has healed significantly. However, you can get back to your normal routine after 2 weeks.

Previous article
How can I make a pimple go away fast?
Next article
What is the sandwich method of retinol?