Post-Operative Swelling

We do a lot of restorative work and extractions at The Oyster Bay Family Dentists. Some of our procedures can get pretty involved, but tooth extractions are usually a simple process. Following any kind of surgery, some swelling is expected, which is why patients should know what to expect and how to handle it.

The body’s inflammatory response rushes white blood cells and nutrients to the site of an injury. It will usually be more severe following complicated procedures. However, even a simple extraction will result in noticeable swelling within twenty-four hours. Patients should minimize this by using cold-packs. A cold pack can be held against the skin for fifteen minutes at a time, and then removed for fifteen minutes. If all goes well, swelling will peak within thirty-six hours, and patients can then work to reduce it by applying the same procedure with hot packs.

If the swelling continues to get worse forty-eight hours after the procedure, the patient should inform us. We also need to know if the skin turns black or white, as that could indicate infection. For many procedures, patients’ lips are anesthetized. Biting down on them when they are in this state could lead to a lot of swelling, but swollen lips will usually get better on their own unless the skin is broken and they become infected.

Drs. Denise VeyVoda and Robert G. West operate The Oyster Bay Family Dentists at 123 South Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. To schedule an appointment, call 516-922-5730 or visit Oyster Bay Dentists and fill out a contact sheet.