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Hardened Edema on Jaw Line

06/10/2011

Question:

I just went to my oral surgeon for some swelling on one side of my jaw (and last check up since my wisdom teeth extraction that was over 2 months ago). He told me it was a “hard edema” on my jaw line. He said there wasn`t really anything I could do about it and it would go away in a couple of months.

He recommeneded moist heat. I was wondering if anyone had any other tips/otc meds to speed up this process. Searching on the internet has been fruitless and I would like to get this healed up ASAP along with any other information on this condition.

Thanks

Answer:

The hard edema following wisdom teeth extraction is not uncommon. It is the thickening of a layer of tissue over the bone that gives it a characteristic appearance and feel. It does take a few weeks, sometimes longer to resolve. Your Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon is right, moist heat does help relieve this swelling. Sometimes the only thing that works is the tincture of time.

For more information:

Go to the Face and Jaw Surgery health topic.