Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, often necessary to prevent overcrowding, impaction, or infection. Successful healing after this surgery relies on proper immediate post-operative care. Following guidelines for managing bleeding, controlling swelling, and maintaining oral hygiene helps ensure a smooth recovery.
Initial Gauze Application and Duration
Immediately following wisdom tooth extraction, a gauze pad is placed over the surgical site. This applies firm pressure, controlling bleeding and promoting a stable blood clot. This clot is essential for healing, acting as a natural barrier that protects exposed bone and nerves, and provides a scaffold for new tissue growth.
Patients should maintain firm biting pressure on the gauze for 30 to 60 minutes. After this initial period, carefully remove and discard the gauze. If it appears saturated with blood, indicating continued bleeding, place a fresh, folded gauze pad over the site with firm, sustained biting pressure. Avoid vigorous rinsing or disturbing the surgical area, as this can dislodge the newly forming blood clot.
Managing Persistent Bleeding
Some bleeding or oozing is expected for up to 24 hours after wisdom tooth extraction. If bleeding continues or recurs, place a fresh, folded gauze pad directly over the extraction site. Apply firm, consistent biting pressure for 30 to 45 minutes. Ensure the gauze is positioned correctly to apply effective pressure.
If bleeding remains persistent or heavy, a moist black tea bag can be used. Black tea contains tannic acid, which helps constrict blood vessels and promote clotting. Moisten a black tea bag with cool water, squeeze out excess liquid, and place it directly over the bleeding site, biting down firmly for 15 to 30 minutes. If excessive bleeding, defined as rapidly filling the mouth with blood, continues despite these measures, or if there is severe pain, swelling, or fever, contact your oral surgeon or dentist for guidance.
Immediate Aftercare Beyond Gauze
Once initial bleeding is controlled, focus on protecting the delicate blood clot and managing discomfort for the first 24 hours. Avoid activities that could dislodge the blood clot, such as vigorous rinsing, spitting, using straws, or smoking, to prevent dry socket. These actions create suction or pressure that can displace the clot.
Pain management involves taking prescribed or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, ideally before local anesthesia wears off. To reduce swelling, apply ice packs to the outside of the face where surgery was performed. Apply ice for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off during the first 24 to 48 hours. Elevating the head with pillows, even while sleeping, also helps minimize swelling.
A diet of soft, cool foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, or smoothies is recommended for the first day, avoiding hot or crunchy items. Gentle oral hygiene can begin the day after surgery with a soft-bristled toothbrush, carefully avoiding the surgical site.