The gauze pad placed after a tooth extraction promotes hemostasis by applying consistent, direct pressure to the socket. This pressure initiates the body’s natural clotting cascade, which stops bleeding. This process is necessary for forming a stable blood clot, which acts as a protective barrier over the exposed bone and nerves in the empty socket. Establishing a firm clot is the first step in successful healing and helps prevent dry socket.
The Initial Gauze: Duration and Pressure
The initial gauze pad should remain in place for a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure. This duration allows time for the initial stages of coagulation to seal the small blood vessels severed during extraction. The gauze’s effectiveness depends entirely on the firm, consistent pressure applied by biting down.
Before placement, fold the gauze into a small, dense cushion that fits between your opposing teeth. Ensure the pad is positioned directly over the wound, concentrating the pressure precisely on the extraction site. Bite down with a firm, continuous force for the full recommended duration.
Avoid chewing, talking, or shifting the gauze, as movement can disrupt the clotting factors. Maintaining a quiet, elevated resting position is also advisable. Physical activity increases blood pressure and blood flow, which can delay stable clot formation.
Checking the Site and Normal Bleeding
After the initial 30 to 60 minutes, slowly remove the gauze pad to assess the extraction site. Confirm that a protective clot has formed, which appears as a dark red, gelatinous plug filling the socket. Do not explore the socket with your tongue or fingers, as this can easily dislodge the clot.
A small amount of blood mixed with saliva, appearing as a pink or slightly red tinge, is normal oozing. This minor weeping is expected because saliva dilutes the blood, often making the flow appear greater than it is. This light staining can continue for up to 24 hours, indicating normal healing progress.
Active bleeding is a steady flow of bright red blood that quickly saturates the gauze or pools in the mouth. A persistent, flowing bleed indicates the clot has not stabilized or the pressure was insufficient. If the removed gauze is only lightly stained, the initial phase of hemostasis is complete, and reapplication is unnecessary.
Troubleshooting Persistent Bleeding
If the first check reveals active, flowing bleeding, immediately replace the pad with a fresh piece of sterile gauze. Before re-inserting, gently wipe away any old, loose clots with a clean cloth or cotton swab. This ensures the new pressure application is more effective. Fold the new gauze into a dense cushion and bite down firmly for another 30 to 60 minutes, mirroring the initial pressure.
Repeat this replacement process as needed, using a fresh pad each time, until the active flow subsides and only light oozing remains. If bleeding continues despite two or three gauze changes, a moist black tea bag is an effective alternative. Black tea contains tannic acid, a natural astringent that promotes clotting by acting as a mild vasoconstrictor.
To use this method, moisten a black tea bag with lukewarm water and squeeze out the excess liquid. Place the tea bag directly over the socket or wrap it in gauze. Bite down for 30 minutes, relying on the tannic acid and physical pressure to encourage coagulation. If heavy bleeding soaks a gauze pad within 30 minutes and persists for more than four hours, contact your dental professional.