Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgical procedure, and some bleeding afterward is a normal part of healing. Understanding the typical bleeding timeline and management strategies can help ensure a smoother recovery.
Expected Bleeding Timeline
Immediately following wisdom teeth removal, surgical sites typically exhibit the heaviest bleeding. This initial flow is natural, as blood vessels are severed. The dental team usually places gauze pads over the extraction sites, which should be bitten down upon to apply continuous pressure.
Over the first few hours, bleeding intensity should gradually decrease. As a blood clot forms within the socket, the bleeding will lessen and may appear darker. Pinkish or reddish-tinged saliva is common during this period.
For the next day or two, slight oozing or faint discoloration of saliva can persist. This is generally not a cause for concern, as the body continues wound healing. While active bleeding should largely subside within 24 hours, some minor spotting or a pink tinge can remain for up to several days.
Managing Bleeding at Home
Managing bleeding at home involves applying consistent, gentle pressure to the extraction site. This is achieved by placing clean gauze pads directly over the surgical area and biting down firmly for 30 to 45 minutes. Pressure helps compress blood vessels and encourages stable blood clot formation.
Avoid disturbing the newly formed blood clot, as this can dislodge it and restart bleeding. Refrain from vigorous rinsing, forceful spitting, or using a straw for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery. These actions create suction that can disrupt the clot and delay healing.
To minimize bleeding, keep your head elevated, even when resting or sleeping. This reduces blood flow to the head and helps control swelling and oozing. Avoiding strenuous physical activity for several days post-surgery is advisable, as increased blood pressure can exacerbate bleeding.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some bleeding is expected, certain signs indicate that the bleeding may be beyond what is considered normal and warrant professional assessment. If you experience heavy, continuous bleeding that soaks through multiple gauze pads within a short period (e.g., 30 minutes to an hour) and does not show signs of slowing, it is important to contact your dentist or oral surgeon.
Persistent bright red blood that does not subside after applying consistent pressure for an extended duration also signals a potential issue. Additionally, if bleeding continues significantly beyond the initial 24-hour window, or if you develop a large, firm blood clot that causes pain or extends into your throat, professional guidance should be sought. These situations may indicate a dislodged clot, an underlying issue, or delayed healing that requires intervention.
A small amount of bleeding after wisdom teeth removal is normal, but excessive or prolonged bleeding is a sign to contact your dental professional. If bleeding is heavy and soaks through multiple gauze pads within 30 minutes to an hour, or if it consists of bright red blood that doesn’t slow down, it requires attention. This kind of bleeding can indicate a dislodged blood clot, which is crucial for healing.
Other concerning signs include persistent bleeding beyond 24 hours, especially if it’s still heavy. If a large, firm blood clot forms and causes pain or extends into the throat, or if bleeding is accompanied by severe pain that isn’t managed by medication, swelling that worsens after 72 hours, or signs of infection like fever or foul-tasting discharge, professional help is necessary. These symptoms suggest potential complications that need immediate assessment by your oral surgeon or dentist.