You have swelling
Your face may swell in the first 24 hours after oral surgery. The swelling may last for 5 to 7 days. Once the swelling starts to go down, your face may bruise. The bruising could last for up to 10 days after your surgery.
What to do
On the FIRST day after surgery, put a cold compress on the swollen area. You can make a cold compress by wrapping ice cubes in a towel or you can use a bag of frozen vegetables. Keep the cold compress there for 10 minutes. Take it off for 10 minutes, then put it back on for another 10 minutes. Do this over and over again for the first 24 hours after surgery, if possible.
On the SECOND day after surgery, put something warm on the swollen area. You can make a warm compress by wrapping a hot water bottle or a heating pad in a towel. The warmth will increase blood flow or circulation and bring down the swelling. Do not use anything hot enough to burn your skin. Call your dentist or oral surgeon if the swelling continues to get worse 48 hours after surgery, or if the swelling does not go down within 7 days after surgery.
What NOT to do
Do not apply heat to the swollen area in the first 24 hours after surgery. This will only make the swelling worse.
Braganza Periodontics – Peterborough Implant and Gum Specialist 705-741-1885