What Is a Dry Socket?

Temperature Therapy
Using cold and heat therapy can reduce swelling immediately after surgery. Cold packs are recommended to use for the first 24 hours after having a tooth pulled. Put the pack against your face for 15 minutes at a time. The cold helps numb nerves in your mouth. Follow that with warm washcloths to reduce pain. Heat usually soothes pain. Dentists will always tell you to use warm and not hot washcloths. Place it against your cheek when you feel pain. It may take several hours to see a reduction in swelling but the compresses will make that process move a little faster.