Swelling teeth removal

Swelling after extraction can occur during healing, but worsening swelling, fever, pus, or swallowing difficulty needs prompt dental care.

The socket and gingiva respond to extraction with a blood clot and inflammation. A worsening pattern after initial improvement can indicate infection or another complication.

Use a cold pack outside the cheek, eat soft foods, keep the area clean as instructed, and do not smoke or disturb the clot.

Contact the dentist for increasing swelling, severe or returning pain, fever, pus, or bad taste. Breathing or swallowing difficulty is an emergency.

Ask whether the socket is healing normally and whether examination or imaging is needed.