Honestly, I get why people love the rice sock or heat packs, but I’ve always been super cautious about switching to heat too early. My dentist was pretty strict—told me to stick with ice for at least 72 hours, not just 24-48. Swelling can sometimes peak at day three, so adding heat too soon could actually make things worse. I tried to tough it out with ice packs (yeah, frozen peas too... not my brightest idea) and only started using a warm compress when the swelling was basically gone. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but I’d rather deal with a little stiffness than risk more swelling.
Swelling can sometimes peak at day three, so adding heat too soon could actually make things worse.
Totally get where you’re coming from. The whole ice vs. heat debate after wisdom teeth removal is one of those things where everyone’s got a slightly different take, but your dentist’s advice matches what I’ve heard from a lot of oral surgeons. Ice for the first 72 hours really does seem to help keep swelling down—especially since, like you said, it can actually get worse on day two or three before it gets better.
I remember thinking I’d be fine with just a day or two of icing, but by the second night my cheeks looked like I’d lost a boxing match. Kept up with the ice (and yeah, frozen peas are a classic, even if they end up kinda soggy). Heat felt nice for the stiffness later on, but when I tried it too early on one side, that side definitely stayed puffier longer. Maybe coincidence, maybe not, but I wasn’t about to test it again.
Honestly, I’d rather have a bit of jaw stiffness than risk more swelling too. I think a lot of people underestimate how uncomfortable extra swelling can get—not just pain-wise, but trying to eat or sleep with chipmunk cheeks is rough. Plus, if you overdo the heat too soon, you can end up with that weird throbbing feeling that’s just... not fun.
I know some folks swear by switching to heat earlier, but unless your dentist says otherwise, sticking to ice for those first three days is probably the safer bet. After that, when most of the swelling’s gone, heat can be great for loosening things up. Just gotta play it safe and listen to your body (and your dentist).
I’m right there with you on the ice packs. My oral surgeon was super clear: ice for three days, then maybe switch to heat if things felt stiff. I tried to follow it exactly but got curious on day two because my jaw ached and I thought heat would help. Ended up with even puffier cheeks on that side, which definitely made eating and sleeping way harder—lesson learned.
What surprised me was how much the swelling ramped up around day three, not right after surgery like I expected. Ice packs (and yes, frozen peas for the win) definitely helped keep things manageable, even if it meant swapping them out every half hour. Once I finally switched to heat, it did help with the soreness, but only after most of the swelling had gone down.
I do wonder sometimes if people’s bodies just react differently. My friend started using heat earlier and didn’t have any issues, but I wasn’t so lucky. I’d rather play it safe and deal with some stiffness than risk extra swelling again... that chipmunk look is no joke.
I totally relate to the swelling peaking later than expected—it really threw me off too. I stuck to the ice packs religiously for those first few days, and honestly, I think it made a difference. Tried heat a bit early once and instantly regretted it; felt like my face doubled in size overnight. It's wild how everyone seems to react just a little differently. For me, I’d rather deal with some stiffness than risk more swelling... that chipmunk phase is rough.
That chipmunk look is no joke, right? I’ve seen people get super anxious when the swelling hits later than they expect—it’s almost like your face has a mind of its own. Did you notice if the ice made your jaw feel tighter at all? Sometimes folks worry about stiffness, but honestly, I’d take that over the balloon-face. Curious, did your surgeon mention switching to heat after a certain point, or just stick with ice?
