Applying Heat After Tooth Extraction?

Question

It has been about 30 hours since I had my molar extracted. I have been using Advil and a cold pack on my cheek to ease the pain. Now the cold pack isn't really working or if it does, the pain seems worse when I take it off. I looked around the forums and saw that I was only supposed to use it for 24 hours so I guess that is why. The thing I couldn't find was if it is ok to use a hot water heating pad now to ease the pain or will this promote bleeding and possibly open my clot? Thanks a bunch.

P.S. I cannot get a hold of my dentist and he did not give me after-extraction instructions. Go figure.

Answer 1

Yes, the heat will expand the blood vessels and could cause bleeding which, you know, you will want to avoid. No hot soup or tea either. If the pain is really that bad, you have probably already dislodged the clot and now have a dry socket. Try to get back into your dentist and he can pack the socket with a substance that will help form a good blood clot. Until then, try to stick to the cold pack and Advil, but nothing is really going to help until you get the clot taken care of. Sorry. :-(

Answer 2

JON,

YOU ARE CORRECT. COLD WILL ONLY WORK THE FIRST 24 HOURS. AFTERWARD, WARM MOIST HEAT, AS IN A MOIST MICROWAVED WASHCLOTH TOGETHER WITH ADVIL WILL KEEP THE PAIN AND SWELLING DOWN.

A HOT WATER BOTTLE IS FINE, IF NOT TOO HOT.