Post-operative edema, the medical term for swelling, is a common physiological response following the extraction of third molars. This inflammation results from the body’s natural healing process as it repairs tissues damaged during the surgical procedure. Understanding the causes and mechanisms of this swelling is essential for effective management.
Minimizing post-extraction inflammation is beneficial for patient comfort and expedites the healing process. Reduced swelling can lead to decreased pain, improved oral function (such as eating and speaking), and a lower risk of complications like infection or delayed wound healing. Historically, various methods have been employed to manage post-surgical swelling, ranging from traditional remedies to modern pharmaceutical interventions.