Swelling around the wound and cheek is common after a tooth extraction or oral surgery. It often increases during the first two to three days and then gradually subsides. It usually resolves within 7–10 days.

How can you reduce swelling?

On the day of the procedure, hold a cold pack wrapped in a cloth against the cheek for 15 minutes at a time, with 15-minute breaks. Do not place ice directly on the skin. Keep your head slightly elevated when resting and avoid strenuous activity.

When should you contact the clinic?

Contact the clinic if swelling increases after the third day, becomes hard or very painful, or is accompanied by fever, an unpleasant taste, pus or worsening pain. Seek urgent help for rapidly spreading swelling of the face or neck or difficulty breathing or swallowing.