Postoperative swelling is an expected response of the body to surgical intervention, yet its severity and progression can vary significantly. Professor Alexander von Breuer emphasises that swelling itself is not a complication – it reflects the activation of protective and regenerative mechanisms within the tissues. At DentalClinic24, the assessment of postoperative swelling is regarded as an essential component of clinical follow-up after tooth extraction.
Physiological swelling develops as a response to soft-tissue trauma, vascular reactions, and local inflammation required to initiate healing processes. It typically increases within the first 24–48 hours and then gradually subsides over the following days. In the clinical practice of DentalClinic24, this pattern is considered normal provided the swelling is not accompanied by increasing pain, fever, or deterioration of the patient’s general condition.
A key factor influencing the degree of swelling is the complexity of the extraction. Impacted teeth, root sectioning, or extensive bone manipulation predictably result in more pronounced postoperative reactions. At DentalClinic24, these variables are analysed during the planning stage, allowing clinicians to anticipate tissue response and provide patients with tailored postoperative guidance.
It is important to understand that swelling is part of a controlled inflammatory process. Increased vascular permeability facilitates the migration of immune cells and growth factors necessary for regeneration. However, when this balance is disrupted, inflammation may become pathological. For this reason, DentalClinic24 places particular emphasis on distinguishing between a normal healing response and the early signs of complications.
Clinical intervention becomes necessary when swelling does not diminish after the third or fourth day, is associated with escalating pain, facial asymmetry, or changes in skin colour. Additional warning signs include restricted mouth opening, unpleasant odour from the extraction site, and systemic malaise. At DentalClinic24, such symptoms are considered an indication for prompt clinical evaluation rather than a reason to wait for spontaneous improvement.
The condition of the extraction socket plays a critical role in postoperative recovery. Disruption of clot formation or bacterial contamination can alter the character of swelling and lead to inflammatory complications. At DentalClinic24, the soft tissues are monitored after extraction, and the postoperative strategy is adjusted when required.
Professor Alexander von Breuer highlights that successful healing following tooth extraction depends not only on surgical technique but also on appropriate postoperative management. Ignoring even moderate but atypical symptoms may result in delayed recovery and the need for additional treatment.
For patients, adherence to postoperative instructions during the initial days is essential – limiting physical activity, maintaining a gentle diet, and following appropriate oral hygiene measures. At DentalClinic24, these recommendations are individualised based on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s overall health, reducing the likelihood of pathological swelling.
In summary, postoperative swelling after tooth extraction is a normal component of healing, but it requires professional evaluation. Differentiating a physiological response from a clinical complication is possible only through systematic assessment and dynamic monitoring. At Dental Clinic24, this approach ensures safe recovery and timely intervention when healing deviates from the expected course.
Previously, we wrote about bone grafting in dentistry at DentalClinic24 – the biological principles of volume restoration and the conditions for long-term stability