No one really walks you through the part after you get home.The procedure happens. Gauze in your mouth. A quick set of instructions. Then you’re on your couch later that night wondering why your cheek looks swollenand whether this is normal.
Most of the time, it is. It just doesn’t always feel right.Here’s what people usually aren’t told clearly enough about tooth extraction in Vancouver, WA, and what you should know.
The Swelling Looks Worse Than It Is
Swelling isn’t a complication. It’s biology. When a tooth isremoved, your body sends fluid and immune cells to the area. That’sinflammation. It protects the site and starts the repair process.
The surprise for most people is timing. Swelling tends to peak around 48 to 72 hours after theprocedure, not immediately after. It often looks noticeably worse the morning after surgery than it did the night of, and it can feel tight and heavy,especially when you first wake up. You can leave the office feeling fine andwake up looking noticeably puffy. That doesn’t mean something went wrong.
Cold packs usually help during the first 24 hours. About 20minutes on, 10 minutes off. After that first day, switch to gentle warmth. Heat helps your body clear the trapped fluid. Ice beyond that window can slow thingsdown. It’s a small adjustment, but it makes a difference.
The Throbbing When You Lie Down
You finally try to sleep. Then the pulsing starts. It’s not your imagination. When you lie flat, blood flow to your head increasessl ightly. More blood in the area means more pressure against already inflamedtissue. That’s the throb.
Two simple fixes to help you actually get some rest:
● The "Double Pillow" Prop: Use two or three pillows to keep your head elevated at a 45-degree angle. This keeps yourjaw blood pressure low and prevents fluid from pooling in your cheeks.
● The Recliner Option: If you can't getcomfortable in bed, sleeping in a recliner for the first night or two is a movethat many patients swear by.
If your extraction was in the upper back jaw, there’s another factor. Upper molars sit close to the sinus cavity. Closer than most people expect. That’s why a good dentist in Vancouver, WA,will tell you not to blow your nose for about two weeks after an upper extraction. The pressure can disrupt healing. If you need to sneeze, keep your mouth open. It sounds odd but works.
The Bruise That Shows Up Late
Around day two or three, you might notice discoloration creeping along your jaw. Purple first, then greenish, then that faint yellow.It can look genuinely alarming, especially if it spreads a little toward yourneck or chin.
What's actually happening is that a small amount of blood pooled beneath the tissue during the procedure and is now working its way tothe surface. The color changes aren't a sign of infection, they're your body breaking down hemoglobin, which is the exact same process behind any ordinary bruise, just more visible near the face.
Warm, moist compresses applied for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day help it clear faster. It typically fades over one to two weeks, andit may look worse before it looks better. That's normal, even when it doesn'tfeel like it.
What Actually Causes Problems
The extraction itself is rarely the issue. The first 72 hours after are where things can go wrong. Once a tooth is removed, a bloodclot forms inside the socket. That clot protects exposed bone and nerves whilenew tissue forms. If the clot dislodges too early, you get a dry socket.
Dry socket feels different from routine soreness with sharper pain which is more constant andoften starts around day three to five, radiating toward the ear.
The most common causes:
● Drinking through a straw
● Smoking
● Aggressive rinsing
● Spitting forcefully
Suction is the problem. It can pull the clot out before thesite stabilizes. If you’re searching for tooth extraction near you and you smoke, that conversation matters. Nicotine also reduces blood flow, which slows healing.
And here’s a simple rule: If pain is worse on day four thanit was on day two, call your dentist in Vancouver, WA. Healing should trend gradually better, not sharply worse.
Getting Back to Normal
Most people can return from tooth extraction near you to desk work the nextday. Heavy lifting or strenuous workouts are different. Increased heart rate raises blood pressure, which can restart bleeding or disturb the clot. Give it 48 to 72 hours before intense exercise.
As for food, stick to soft options at first. Avoid chewingnear the site and don’t test your limits with crunchy food too soon. It’s notabout fragility. It’s about avoiding unnecessary pain.
Talk to a Dentist Near You
If you have an extraction scheduled and want clearer expectations, or you’re healing and something feels off, Thurston Oaks Dental is a practical place to start.
Dr. Jake Farmer and his team handle tooth extraction in Vancouver, WA, withoutrushing patients out the door. Questions are answered directly. Instructions are explained in plain language.
As a dentist near you,our goal isn’t just to remove a tooth. It’s to make sure you understand what’s normal, what isn’t, and what to expect over the next few days, because claritymakes recovery easier.
