Tooth extraction yesterday has caused my face to swell up and turn red and bruised. How long will that last?

I had a front tooth pulled yesterday and had 2 shots of novacaine. I had some swelling today and later bruising appeared, making it look like I got punched in the face. The dentist prescribed an anitbiotic but the bruising appeared BEFORE I took it so I know there's no connection. I've never had this much swelling and I don't know how long it will take for the redness to subside. Any idea what caused this?

Tooth extraction yesterday has caused my face to swell up and turn red and bruised. How long will that last?
If it's bruising, then it'll take a couple of days to start to shrink, but about 2 weeks for the bruise discolouration to disappear.


It's too late to apply ice packs but you could help it dissipate faster by using a heparinoid cream e.g. Hirudoid.
Reply:You run the risk of this happening any time you have a tooth pulled. It's caused from the trauma of having it yanked out. It's one of the reasons why they tell you to apply ice packs for 6 hours after an extraction. It'll take a few days to subside.
Reply:I'm not a doctor, but that does sound like a little more than normal. Was the dentist rough? Just be sure to take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed and until they are gone.





The first dentist I had here broke a root off while pulling a tooth. I switched dentists and the new one got the partial root out and has done a lot more.





I'd suggest finding a new dentist. There is no good reason for your mouth to be in that condition after a simple extraction.





It will probably start feeling better in a few days, if it doesn't, go to a doctor. Also, just liquids, such as juices and soups, for awhile.