Should I use ice or warm towels to reduce swelling after wisdom teeth extraction?

Question

I had 4 wisdom teeth removed yesterday. I know the swelling will be the worst today and tomorrow. Should I use ice packs (I did that yesterday) or warm damp towels to prevent/reduce swelling?

Answer 1

I would use I as soon as possible, will take the swelling down

Answer 2

advil and ice.  ice pack on ten minutes off ten minutes

Answer 3

ice obviously to reduce the swelling--didn't the dentist tell you about this??

Answer 4

I had my top two surgicaly removed...i didnt have any swelling but i did use both hot and cold to relieve the pain...perhaps that is why i didnt have any swelling. i think you will know which one to use.. the one that feels the best!

good luck.

Answer 5

It may actually be the most helpful to alternate between the two.  

Answer 6

Use an ice pack  but  not if your face gets to cold... and dont forget to eat lots of ice cream

Answer 7

Ice is better, heat is more commonly used for aches and pains, not swelling.

Cooling something down numbs the pain and reduces the swelling.

You poor thing, I had my wisdom teeth removed a few years back, the most important thing is to get proper food into you even though you may be nauseated from your medication.

Also, try to only use your prescription pain meds the first few days when the pain is the worst, after that, switch to high dose over the counter pain meds, because its very easy to get addicted.

The best thing is fruit smoothies, no chewing, no gum/teeth pain, and you get your protein/calcium/fruit/veggies all at once.

Have someone make you a few or you can buy them.

Also take cat naps if at all possible.

You body repairs itself while you sleep, so the more well rested you are, the better you'll feel the sooner you'll get better.

Good luck!