Wisdom teeth removal is a routine dental procedure that many people undergo, but it’s not without its post-surgery challenges. After the procedure, patients often experience some level of discomfort, swelling, and bruising. While it’s common to feel worried about these symptoms, understanding why bruising occurs and how to manage it can provide peace of mind. This article will explore the causes of facial bruising after wisdom teeth removal and offer advice on how to care for yourself during the recovery period.
Understanding Bruising After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Bruising is a common side effect after wisdom tooth extraction. When you undergo this type of surgery, the tissue surrounding the extraction site, including your gums, bone, and skin, may be disrupted. As a result, small blood vessels can break, and blood leaks into the surrounding tissues, causing a visible bruise.
The bruising itself is typically harmless, and in most cases, it will resolve on its own within a few days to a week. However, understanding the factors that contribute to bruising can help you manage the healing process more effectively.
Why Does Bruising Happen?
The primary reason bruising occurs after wisdom teeth removal is due to the trauma that the surgical procedure causes to the tissues in the area. Even though the dentist or oral surgeon will take great care to minimize damage during the procedure, some level of bleeding and bruising is often unavoidable. Several factors can contribute to bruising after the surgery:
Trauma to the Tissues
When your wisdom teeth are removed, the dentist or oral surgeon must make incisions in your gums and may need to manipulate or cut through bone to access the teeth. The manipulation of these soft and hard tissues can cause tiny blood vessels (capillaries) to break, leading to bruising.
Blood Flow and Circulation
Blood flow to the face is naturally more concentrated in the area of the mouth, and after surgery, the increased blood flow to the site of extraction can contribute to bruising. Your body sends extra blood to the surgical site to help with the healing process, which can lead to swelling and bruising.
Positioning During Surgery
The position in which you lie during surgery can also affect the severity of bruising. Gravity may cause the blood to pool in certain areas of your face, particularly around the cheeks and jawline, which can lead to more noticeable bruising.
Type of Extraction
The nature of your wisdom teeth and the difficulty of the extraction also play a role. If your wisdom teeth were impacted (meaning they were trapped beneath the gum or angled incorrectly), the surgery may have been more complex, leading to more trauma to the surrounding tissues. This can result in more significant bruising.
Use of Anesthesia
During the procedure, local anesthesia is commonly used to numb the area around your teeth. However, general anesthesia may also be used for some patients. The use of anesthesia can affect your body’s response to surgery, and sometimes it can lead to bruising due to the relaxation of muscles in the face.
When Should I Expect Bruising to Appear?
Bruising after wisdom teeth removal does not typically show up immediately. In most cases, you will notice the first signs of bruising within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. The bruising may initially appear as red or purple spots but will typically change color over time. As the blood is reabsorbed by the body, the bruised area may turn blue, green, yellow, or brown before fading completely.
Swelling often accompanies bruising and can exacerbate the appearance of bruises. It’s common for both bruising and swelling to peak 48 to 72 hours after the procedure before gradually subsiding.
Managing Bruising and Swelling
While bruising is usually not a cause for concern, there are several ways to help reduce its severity and accelerate the healing process. Here are a few tips to manage bruising and swelling after wisdom teeth removal:
Applying Ice Packs
The application of cold compresses during the first 48 hours after surgery can help reduce both swelling and bruising. Applying ice to the affected area helps constrict blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the area, which can minimize the extent of the bruising.
Wrap the ice pack in a clean cloth or towel to avoid direct contact with your skin, which could cause damage. Apply the ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, and take breaks in between to allow your skin to return to normal temperature.
Resting and Elevating Your Head
Getting plenty of rest is essential for your body to heal after surgery. Keeping your head elevated, especially while sleeping, can help reduce the pooling of blood in the face and prevent additional bruising. Try to sleep with your head propped up on pillows, at least for the first few nights after surgery.
Avoiding Heat and Strenuous Activity
In the days following your wisdom tooth removal, avoid applying heat to the affected area, as this can cause the blood vessels to dilate and worsen swelling and bruising. Additionally, it’s important to avoid strenuous physical activity, as exerting yourself can increase blood pressure and exacerbate bruising.
Taking Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce both swelling and pain after surgery. They work by blocking the production of certain chemicals in your body that promote inflammation. Taking NSAIDs as directed can help minimize bruising and keep discomfort at bay.
Be sure to consult your dentist or oral surgeon before taking any medications, especially if you have other medical conditions or are taking other drugs.
Healing Time for Bruising
As mentioned earlier, bruising after wisdom teeth removal is temporary and usually resolves within a week to ten days. However, the exact healing time can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the bruising, the complexity of the surgery, and how well you follow post-operative care instructions.
If your bruising does not begin to fade after a few days or if it seems to worsen, it’s important to contact your oral surgeon. Persistent or severe bruising could indicate complications such as infection or damage to deeper tissues.
When to Seek Help
While bruising is a normal part of the healing process, there are instances where further medical attention may be necessary. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to contact your dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible:
Excessive or Prolonged Swelling
Swelling is expected after wisdom teeth removal, but if it continues to worsen after 72 hours or becomes excessively painful, it may indicate an infection or other complication.
Fever or Pus Discharge
If you notice a fever or the presence of pus from the extraction site, these could be signs of an infection. Infections can delay healing and lead to more serious complications, so it’s essential to seek immediate treatment if you experience these symptoms.
Severe Pain Not Relieved by Medication
While some pain is to be expected after wisdom tooth removal, severe pain that cannot be controlled by prescribed pain medications should not be ignored. This could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as dry socket or infection.
Conclusion
Bruising after wisdom teeth removal is a common and temporary side effect of the surgery. It occurs as a result of the trauma to the tissues surrounding the extraction site and is typically nothing to worry about. By following the advice outlined in this article, you can manage the discomfort and speed up the healing process.
If you notice that your bruising doesn’t improve after a few days or if you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, be sure to consult your oral surgeon. With proper care and attention, you will likely see the bruising fade and heal as your mouth recovers from the procedure.
Related topics:
Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems with Braces?
How Does Wisdom Teeth Surgery Affect Your Mouth?
Can Wisdom Teeth Removal Cause Jaw Stiffness?
