wisdom teeth extraction- how to deal afterwards

Hi. I just got my wisdom teeth out yesterday. And today, the left side of my cheek is EXTREMELY swollen and hard. and hurts erally bad. my right side, however, is just fine. I've been taking medications as well as applying an ice pack to my cheek but for some reason It doesnt look like it has really been helping. I read in a few places that people have said to put something warm on the cheek after the next 2-3 days, is that true? Of course my dentist didnt give me an antibiotic in case of infection which was stupid. but im taking penicilin that i had from another time. Is there any thing else I can do to get the swelling down? or is it too early to really worry about this? Also, this is a new dentist I have been seeing and of course he didn't even give me a peice of paper or anthing of what to eat and what to do for the pain.. I've been eating soups and jello and pudding so I'm okay with that. but this pain in my cheek is sooo bad. argh im so tired. im about to swish salt water around in my mouth cause i heard that is good. but I am worried about the swelling. my left cheek looks like a puffy squirrelly cheek and i look deformed and I feel embarrassed to even see anyone.. it ***** .. how long do u think the swelling will last? has anyone gotten their wisdom teeth out that wants to let me know more about it? thanks.