After you have your 3rd molars removed how do you reduce swelling?

Question

My husband had his wisdom teeth removed yesterday @ 12:00 noon. He kept ice on it all day and most of the night. He is still swollen a little. We are wondering if we should use cold packs or a hot pack since its after the first 24 hours. Please let me know if you can tell me what is best. I would like only those who actually know to answer, not any guesses. Thanks.

Answer 1

Ice after 24 hours doesn't do too much. Some moist heat (hot wash cloth) for 20 minutes out of each hour for the next 2-3 days may help, but don't expect too much.

"Time heals all wounds" and takes away third molar surgery swelling.

Answer 2

The outcome of surgery to remove wisdom teeth is often visible: chipmunk cheeks. The good news is the symptoms don't last long, and dentists have many ways to minimize swelling or pain. The symptoms rarely last more than 48 to 72 hours.

To allow the area to heal, you should eat only soft foods, soups, and liquids for at least the first two days following surgery. Complications are rare, but you should report any of the following symptoms of infection to your oral surgeon immediately:

•Fever of more than 100 degrees
•Abnormal swelling
•Pain or a bad or salty taste in your mouth, whether or not there's discharge from the site

In some cases, blood doesn't properly form a clot in the tooth's empty socket, leading to a local infection known as "dry socket" about 48 hours after surgery. Although painful, the condition is easily treated by placing a medicated dressing on the extraction site.

Of course, some bleeding and swelling around the empty socket is normal. Applying pressure to your gums will usually stop bleeding, and ice helps ease swelling. Raffeto advises patients to rinse with warm water and to use ice or a cold pack around the affected area of the jaw to reduce swelling. Patients who don't place ice in their mouths or ice packs on their jaw after the procedure are usually the ones in the worst shape when they come to see him for follow-up appointments a few days after surgery. "It makes a huge difference in recovery," Rafetto says.

Also:
Try using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. You can use moist heat—such as a washcloth soaked in warm water and wrung out—for the following 2 or 3 days.
Relax after surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
Eat soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, or a thin soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
Do not use a straw for the first few days. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and delay healing.
After the first day, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
Do not smoke for at least 24 hours after your surgery. The sucking motion can loosen the clot and delay healing. In addition, smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgery area.
Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers.
Continue to brush your teeth and tongue carefully.

Answer 3

Been there done that. Time is what will help. However my dentist had me stick with ice for any additional swelling. He actually suggested frozen peas in a zip-lock bag since they will mold to your cheek. Plus Motrin to help the pain / inflammation.

Answer 4

No hot packs. Just stay with the ice packs but not too long at a time you can cause nerve damage. Time is what it needs. Aspirin....

Answer 5

You don't need to use hot packs.It will make the areas bleed more.You can use the cold packs.Make sure he takes his antibiotics.Within 36 hours he'll be as good as new.