How do I care for bleeding after oral surgery?

To limit bleeding after oral surgery, we may place a gauze pack on the wisdom tooth extraction site. This should be left in place for 30 to 45 minutes after leaving the office. Bite down on the gauze, but don’t “chew” on it. Bleeding might continue after the pack is removed. If it does, we recommend you follow these instructions:

  • Form a thick pad from clean gauze; dampen it and place the pad directly on the wisdom tooth extraction site.
  • Apply some pressure by firmly biting on it for about 30 minutes.
  • Replace the pad with a clean one if it becomes soaked with blood.
  • If heavy bleeding continues, call your oral surgeon.
  • Avoid sucking on the wisdom tooth extraction site.

Proper care for bleeding

To limit bleeding after oral surgery, we may place a gauze pack on the wisdom tooth extraction site. This should be left in place for 30 to 45 minutes after leaving the office. Bite down on the gauze, but don’t “chew” on it. Bleeding might continue after the pack is removed. If it does, we recommend you follow these instructions:

  • Form a thick pad from clean gauze; dampen it and place the pad directly on the wisdom tooth extraction site.
  • Apply some pressure by firmly biting on it for about 30 minutes.
  • Replace the pad with a clean one if it becomes soaked with blood.
  • If heavy bleeding continues, call your oral surgeon.
  • Avoid sucking on the wisdom tooth extraction site.

Protect the clot

A blood clot should form in the wisdom tooth extraction site; this needs to be protected for proper healing. Healing is a delicate process and requires the restriction of certain activities; otherwise the blood clot can be dislodged.

Oral Surgery Care And Things You Must Avoid:

  • Sucking or blowing motions
  • Smoking
  • Drinking through a straw for 24 hours
  • Rinsing your mouth vigorously
  • Mouthwash (until your oral surgeon approves its use)
  • Cleaning teeth next to the extracted site for the rest of the day
  • Strenuous exercise for 24 hours
  • Hot liquids or alcoholic beverages

Proper oral care

Your mouth should be gently rinsed (not vigorously) with warm salt water the day after oral surgery. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt to one-cup warm water. Be sure to rinse after eating to keep food particles out of the extraction site.

Brush your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing your tongue is also advised to eliminate bad breath and the unpleasant taste that often accompanies oral surgery. Floss at least once a day, too.

Follow our instructions carefully after dental surgery.

Contact Radiant Dental if:

  • Numbness doesn’t subside within a few hours
  • You experience nausea or vomiting
  • You have severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever in the wisdom tooth extraction area

Reduce swelling and pain

We may give you a plastic ice pack to apply to your face on the way home. A cold compress helps reduce swelling. Apply either a cold compress or a cold, moist cloth periodically. Switch to moist heat (a warm wash cloth) 24 hours after oral surgery. Check with me regarding how often and how long to use a compress.

We may prescribe medication to prevent infection and control pain. Carefully follow the instructions. If you experience severe pain, swelling, bleeding, fever, nausea or vomiting, contact Radiant Dental for advice and assistance (630) 226-1100.