A tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that removes a tooth from its jawbone socket. After an extraction, bleeding is expected as the body begins its natural healing process. Gauze is placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and promote blood clot formation, which is fundamental for proper healing. This clot acts as a protective barrier, shielding the exposed bone and nerves.
Immediate Gauze Application and Duration
After a tooth extraction, your dentist places a sterile gauze pad over the extraction site. Bite down firmly on this gauze to apply pressure. This firm pressure compresses blood vessels and encourages stable blood clot formation.
The initial gauze pad should remain in place for 30 to 45 minutes. It is important to avoid disturbing the gauze during this time, as it could disrupt the clotting process. After this period, gently remove the gauze to check the site. Some light oozing or pink-tinged saliva is normal during the first 24 hours.
Managing Persistent Bleeding
If bleeding persists or the gauze becomes saturated, replace it with a fresh, clean gauze pad. Fold the new gauze into a thick square, position it directly over the extraction site, and bite down with firm, consistent pressure for another 30 to 45 minutes. Ensure the pressure is applied directly to the wound.
As an alternative, a moist black tea bag can help control bleeding. Black tea contains tannic acid, a natural coagulant that constricts blood vessels and promotes clotting. Moisten the tea bag with cool water, squeeze out excess liquid, and place it over the extraction site, biting gently for 15 to 30 minutes. If heavy bleeding continues for more than a few hours, contact your dentist.
Protecting the Clot and Promoting Healing
Once bleeding is controlled and a stable blood clot forms, protecting it is important for proper healing and to prevent dry socket. For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid activities that could dislodge the clot, such as vigorous rinsing, spitting, or drinking through a straw, as suction can pull the clot out. Avoid smoking, as it can impair healing and increase complication risk.
Maintain oral hygiene, but care must be gentle. Avoid brushing directly over the extraction site for the first day, but continue to brush other areas of your mouth normally. After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) two to three times daily to keep the area clean and promote healing. During initial days, stick to a soft diet, avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate the site or get stuck.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some discomfort and light oozing are normal after extraction, certain signs indicate a complication requiring professional attention. Contact your dentist if you experience excessive or prolonged bleeding that does not subside after applying pressure with gauze or a tea bag. Persistent or worsening severe pain, especially a few days after extraction, could signal a dry socket, where the blood clot is lost, exposing bone and nerves.
Signs of infection, such as increased swelling worsening after 48 hours, fever, chills, pus, or a foul odor/taste from the site, require immediate dental contact. Do not self-treat these conditions; prompt dental evaluation and guidance are important for a smooth recovery.