Many people commonly experience a swollen cheek after dental work. Swelling is the body’s normal response when it undergoes physical trauma. Whenever a dentist performs a treatment where your oral tissues are affected, it is normal to have some swelling afterward. For example, swelling after dental implants or tooth extractions is common.
How to Manage a Swollen Cheek after Dental Work?
Here are a few tips you can follow to reduce a swollen cheek after dental treatment:
Using an Ice Pack & Warm Compress
Both cold and heat can help reduce a swollen cheek after dental work. However, it depends on when you use it. For the first 24 to 48 hours after getting treatment, you should use an ice pack. After 48 hours have passed, switch to a warm compress.
Your dentist can guide you on how to use both an ice pack and a warm compress.
Drink Water
Water is not only important for maintaining dental and general health, but it can also be helpful when your oral tissues are healing.
Staying properly hydrated will provide the facial tissues with the required oxygen and nutrients so they can heal nicely.
Limiting Your Activities
Whenever you get sick or injured, it helps to limit your activities so your body can have the time to heal. Similarly, when you have received a dental treatment that requires recovery time, you should focus on getting rest so that your immune system can help the body heal. Exerting your body may slow down the healing process.
Elevating Your Head
Keeping your head above heart level can minimise a swollen cheek after treatment. Dentists often recommend against lying flat after you have undergone oral surgery. To keep your head elevated, use a couple of pillows when lying down.
Taking Pain Killers
Whenever you have had a treatment like oral surgery, tooth extracting, or placement of implants, and you are likely to experience discomfort, swelling, and pain, your dentist will prescribe painkillers. You should take these medicines as prescribed to relieve discomfort.
Soft Diet
When you are suffering from swelling and discomfort, it is recommended to take a soft diet. Your dentist will also recommend what to eat after surgery or other such invasive treatments. Soft foods like apple sauce, yoghurt, etc. are helpful when you are recovering.
Dental Care at Home after Oral Treatments
Whenever you have received an invasive dental treatment, where the dentist worked on your oral tissues, you will need some time to recover. During this time, proper dental care at home can encourage the affected area to heal faster. Your dentist will provide you with aftercare instructions like what to eat, how to brush, medicines, etc. You must follow your dentist’s advice so that you can heal as well as benefit from the treatment received.
Dental Tips in San Diego
At Fine Dentistry, we care about our patients and ensure they can heal properly and safely after receiving treatment at our clinic in San Diego. Call or visit us to book your appointment.
Schedule an Appointment 619-295-6500
