Wisdom teeth extraction is a common surgical procedure to remove third molars. Managing the extraction site afterward promotes healing and prevents issues. Gauze plays a significant role in the immediate post-operative period by controlling bleeding. It applies pressure to the surgical area, encouraging a stable blood clot. This clot aids healing, protecting exposed bone and nerve tissue and acting as a barrier against bacteria and food debris.
Initial Gauze Application and Duration
Immediately after wisdom teeth removal, a gauze pad is placed over the surgical site to apply pressure and facilitate clotting. Patients should bite down firmly on this gauze for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The pressure from biting stops the bleeding effectively. After this initial period, the gauze should be removed and discarded.
Some oozing or slight bleeding is normal for up to 24 to 48 hours after surgery. If bleeding continues, fold a fresh, clean gauze pad into a thick square, dampen it slightly, and place it directly over the extraction site. Maintain firm, continuous pressure by biting down for another 30 to 45 minutes. Change the gauze only if it becomes saturated with blood, as frequent changes can disrupt the forming blood clot. If bleeding persists despite fresh gauze, biting on a moistened black tea bag for 30 minutes can be effective, as tannic acid helps constrict blood vessels and promote clotting.
Immediate Post-Extraction Care
Beyond gauze use, several steps help ensure proper healing in the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. Preventing dislodgement of the blood clot is important; therefore, avoid spitting, rinsing vigorously, or using straws, as suction can disrupt the clot. Swelling is a normal response to surgery and peaks within 2 to 3 days. Applying ice packs to the outside of the face, near the surgical area, for 15 to 20 minutes at a time with breaks, can help reduce swelling for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Pain management involves prescribed medication or over-the-counter options like ibuprofen, taken as directed. It is recommended to take pain medication with food to prevent nausea. For diet, stick to soft, cool foods and liquids that require minimal chewing, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies, for the first few days. Avoid hot liquids, crunchy, chewy, or spicy foods, and small grains or seeds that could get stuck in the extraction site.
Oral hygiene can begin gently the day after surgery; brush teeth carefully, avoiding the surgical site, and use warm saltwater rinses to keep the area clean without vigorous swishing. Rest is important, and strenuous activity should be avoided for several days to prevent increased bleeding or swelling.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some discomfort and minor bleeding are expected after wisdom teeth removal, certain symptoms warrant contacting your dentist or oral surgeon. Severe pain not controlled by medication or pain that worsens after the first few days could indicate a complication like a dry socket or infection. A persistent bad taste or foul odor in the mouth can also signal an infection.
Report excessive or heavy bleeding that continues for more than 24 hours, or bleeding that does not subside after applying firm pressure with gauze or a tea bag. Swelling that increases after 2 to 3 days or does not show signs of improving after 72 hours may also indicate an infection. Other signs to watch for include a fever above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) that persists beyond 24 to 48 hours, pus or unusual discharge from the extraction site, or persistent numbness in the lip, chin, or tongue. These symptoms suggest a need for professional evaluation to prevent further complications.