Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Lump In The Cheek After Removing The Wisdom Tooth. Swelling In The Gum. Reason?

Hi there,
I got my wisdom teeth taken out 8 days ago. I've done the rinse, and took my last dose of antibiotic tonight. I seem to have a hard lump in my cheek/jaw that is roughly the size of a golf ball. It does not hurt unless i put a lot of pressure on it, and all other swelling on my face disappeared around the 6th day. I figured this spot could just be taking longer, but it is still there. I am no longer in any pain, and can chew effectively again. At the back of my mouth, on my molar (the 7) on the bottom right side, I can see that the gum between my cheek and tooth has started to raise up over top of the molar. I can also push against the inside of my cheek, and see that the gum that is rising up, can seperate from the side of the molar. What is going on?
Wed, 8 May 2013
Report Abuse
Dentist 's  Response
Swelling after wisdom tooth extraction procedure is normal body reaction. It is a good sign and indicator of normal progress of healing of tooth extraction socket.Swelling usually lasts for 5-6 days. Normally, the swelling subsides completely in 7days after the tooth extraction procedure. If it doesn’t happen within this expected time, then you should call the dentist for check up.Do not disturb the extraction socket wound too much.You should do warm isotonic saline mouth rinses every 3-4 hours.
I find this answer helpful
Dentist Dr. Qazi Ammara's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for asking the query,

I would like to tell you that wisdom tooth extraction is often associated with pain, swelling, prolonged numbness, dificulty in swallowing.
You dont worry about the symptoms as they wills subside after sometimes.
Follow the post extraction instructions given by the Dentist properly.
Take complete course of antibiotics and analgesics.
Maintain a good oral hygiene.
Apply ice packs externally, if the swelling does not subside or worsen after one week, you can visit the Dentist and get the checkup done.

Hope this helps out.

Regards...
I find this answer helpful
Dentist Dr. Bindiya Bhaskar's  Response
Hello scott,
Thanks for writing to us.
The swelling in the gums post-extraction of wisdom tooth can be due to-
Any tooth pieces/root pieces remaining within the socket.
Bony projections within the socket which has not filed/smoothened properly after extraction.
Dry socket developed due to poor oral hygiene.
I would advice you to rinse mouth using warm saline and betadine.
Brush and rinse mouth after every meals.
Please do visit your dentist and get the socket checked for any tooth pieces remaining,if so get it removed.
Take complete course of antibiotics.
Hope this helps.
I find this answer helpful
Dentist Dr. Farah Hussain's  Response

Hello there ,

Thanks for writing your query,


Extraction of wisdom tooth often ends with complications like pain and swelling post extraction .

usually it takes 7 to 10 days for the extraction wound to heal and close completely provided if there is no infection .

After extraction antibiotic and analgesic coverage is must to prevent infection of the extraction site and to promote healing.

i would suggest you to start with a antibiotic and analgesic course consulting your dentist , which helps in subsiding the swelling and relives other symptoms.

follow all the post extraction instructions and rinse the mouth with lukewarm saline or antiseptic mouth rinse.

i hope this helps ,

take care.
I find this answer helpful

Note: Find out which dental treatment will work best for your teeth. Ask here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Betadine


Loading Online Doctors....
Lump In The Cheek After Removing The Wisdom Tooth. Swelling In The Gum. Reason?

Swelling after wisdom tooth extraction procedure is normal body reaction. It is a good sign and indicator of normal progress of healing of tooth extraction socket.Swelling usually lasts for 5-6 days. Normally, the swelling subsides completely in 7days after the tooth extraction procedure. If it doesn’t happen within this expected time, then you should call the dentist for check up.Do not disturb the extraction socket wound too much.You should do warm isotonic saline mouth rinses every 3-4 hours.