Post-Extraction Swelling

Extractions are often necessary to correct misalignments caused by overcrowding. Dr. Jia Y. Lee’s office in Rancho Cucamonga provides for general dental and orthodontic needs, allowing patients to use the same doctor throughout their orthodontic therapy. Our extractions have a very high success rate, but patients need to know how to take care of themselves while recovering.


Swelling is a natural, healthy response to the removal of a tooth. Inflammation is the body’s way of concentrating white blood cells and limiting the spread of bacteria. But following a simple extraction, the blood should quickly form a clot that will protect the socket while it closes, making inflammation an unnecessary burden to the patient. Inflammation can be inhibited by applying ice packs in the days immediately following the surgery, but the patient must be careful to not apply ice for longer than fifteen minutes, and to leave fifteen minutes between applications.


It takes about a week for swelling to disappear completely, but it should stop increasing within three days of the extraction. At that point, patients can switch to using heat packs, once again for fifteen minutes at a time on and off. Patients should request emergency care if the extraction site turns black or white, but recovery from simple extractions is usually quick and safe.


Dr. Jia Y. Lee operates at 9477 Haven Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, California, 91730. To schedule an appointment, call 909-989-5598 or visit MyRanchoCucamongaDentist.com.


 

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