After a wisdom tooth extraction, experiencing some bleeding is a common and expected part of the healing process. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are frequently removed due to impaction or lack of space. The body naturally forms a blood clot at the extraction site to protect the area and facilitate healing. This initial bleeding signifies the beginning of your mouth’s recovery.
Expected Bleeding Timeline
Immediately following a wisdom tooth extraction, the bleeding will be heaviest during the first few hours. It is normal to experience active bleeding or oozing, as blood vessels in the mouth are disrupted during the procedure. This initial flow should significantly slow down within approximately four hours after the surgery.
Over the first 24 to 48 hours, it is common to observe lighter oozing or saliva that appears pink-tinged due to a mixture with blood. This type of minor bleeding or discoloration can persist for a few days, particularly after eating or engaging in activity. By about 72 hours, or three days post-extraction, the bleeding should be mostly gone. Some very mild spotting might still occur when brushing teeth or eating, but any heavy flow or bright red bleeding should have ceased by this point.
Steps to Control Bleeding
To manage and minimize bleeding after a wisdom tooth extraction, consistently biting down firmly on gauze pads placed directly over the extraction site is recommended. This pressure helps in the formation of a stable blood clot. The gauze should be replaced as needed, typically every 30 to 60 minutes, if it becomes soaked.
A black tea bag can also be used as an alternative to gauze if bleeding persists, as it contains tannic acid, a natural coagulant that aids in clotting by constricting blood vessels. Simply dampen a cooled black tea bag, remove the staple, fold it, and bite down on it firmly over the surgical area for 30 to 60 minutes.
To prevent dislodging the forming blood clot, avoid forceful spitting, rinsing vigorously, or using straws, as the suction can disrupt the clot. Keeping your head elevated above your heart, even while resting or sleeping, helps reduce blood pressure at the wound site and can help control bleeding.
Applying cold compresses externally to the face for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 24 hours can also aid in reducing swelling and bleeding. During the initial recovery, it is advisable to consume soft, cool foods like yogurt or mashed potatoes, and avoid strenuous physical activity, hot liquids, and alcohol.
Signs Requiring Professional Attention
While some bleeding is a normal part of the recovery process, certain signs indicate that professional attention is needed. If heavy bleeding continues for more than 24 hours, it warrants contacting your dentist or oral surgeon. Bleeding that soaks through multiple gauze pads quickly, or if you observe large blood clots or a continuous flow of bright red blood, are also indicators that the bleeding is not normal.
Other symptoms that signal a potential complication include severe, unmanageable pain that worsens instead of improving, or signs of infection such as fever, increasing swelling, or the presence of pus. If bleeding restarts after having stopped completely, or if any other unusual or concerning symptoms develop, it is important to seek immediate dental evaluation. These signs may suggest issues like a dislodged blood clot or an infection that require prompt intervention.