Bleeding after a tooth extraction is expected and will last for some time after surgical or simple tooth removal. The bleeding generally subsides quickly and stops an hour or two after the surgical process. Some oozing is expected for several hours after the removal.
In most cases, dentists insert sutures after surgical tooth removal to inhibit bleeding and place gauze over the surgical site asking you to bite firmly on it for 30 to 45 minutes. The pressure you apply on the gauze helps stop bleeding to aid in blood clot formation.
The Purpose of Gauze After Tooth Extraction
After getting your tooth removed in a surgical process and getting gauze placed by the dentist in Northwest Calgary over the surgical site, you may wonder when to stop using gauze after tooth extraction. You receive instructions from the dentist to let the gauze remain in place for 30 to 45 minutes and replace it with a new piece of gauze if the bleeding continues. Dentists also advise placing the gauze directly over the surgical site and applying firm pressure for another 60 minutes to stop the bleeding.
The purpose of gauze after a tooth extraction is to help stop the bleeding and assist in blood clot formation to begin healing after tooth extraction. Unfortunately, if you fail to stop the bleeding after your third attempt, you can use a moistened teabag instead of gauze. The tannic acid in the tea will help form a blood clot and help stop the bleeding. However, if you fail with the teabag, contact the Calgary dentist for assistance.
When to Stop Using Gauze after Tooth Extraction?
You can stop using gauze after tooth extraction only after the bleeding has stopped, realizing a trail of blood in your saliva is not an indicator of bleeding. You can expect residual bleeding from tooth extractions in Calgary or elsewhere to continue until 36 hours.
The bleeding that continues oozing is saturated blood flowing out as you speak. While it may appear concerning, there is no reason to worry about it because the bleeding usually stops when you bite hard on the gauze after placing it directly over the extraction site. In addition, if you notice some bleeding in your saliva swallowing, it creates pressure to stop the residual bleeding to stabilize the blood clot. Swallowing your saliva also helps prevent pain from a dry socket.
How to Manage Bleeding after Removing Gauze?
Following your dentist’s post-operative care instructions after tooth removal helps you manage the bleeding and recover without complications after removing gauze.
After tooth extraction, remember not to spit and use a tissue to wipe your mouth as required and swallow your saliva. You must refrain from using straws for drinking liquids and drink from a cup. In addition, you must avoid smoking and poking the extraction site with your tongue or fingers.
Using straws for drinking, smoking, or poking the surgical site can dislodge the blood clot and cause more bleeding from the area. Smoking also increases the chances of infection in the surgical site or a dry socket.
You will experience swelling in your cheeks after surgical tooth removal. The swelling varies between patients and can range from mild to severe. During the first 24 to 48 hours, the swelling may increase before starting to subside. The swelling may last several days with some bruising on your face.
You can use an ice pack on your cheeks next to the surgical site keeping it on for 15 minutes and removing it to repeat it until you go to bed. You can continue using the ice packs on the day following tooth removal. Keep your head elevated using extra pillows to help the swelling subside when sleeping. On day three, you can change to moist heat instead of ice packs to reduce swelling faster.
You receive medication prescriptions from your dentist with advice to take the medicines suggested on the bottle. Ensure you complete your course of medication without quitting halfway because it can increase pain. In addition, you must rest for at least a day after surgical tooth removal to help inhibit the bleeding and encourage blood clot formation.
Unfortunately, if the bleeding continues even after following the post-operative instructions, it is best that you contact the dentist to examine the tooth socket and provide a remedy for the bleeding without trying to endure the challenge yourself.
When dental practices like Toothworks perform tooth extractions in Calgary, they provide adequate instructions on managing bleeding after tooth removal, including when to stop using gauze. If you must have a tooth extracted surgically, kindly schedule your appointment with them to ensure you control your mouth after removing the tooth.
