Wisdom teeth extraction is a common surgical procedure that leaves a wound in the mouth, and managing post-operative bleeding is a necessary part of healing. Gauze is used immediately following the procedure to control bleeding by applying direct pressure to the surgical site. This pressure encourages the formation of a stable blood clot within the empty tooth socket. The blood clot protects the underlying bone and nerve endings, serving as the foundation for proper healing and helping to prevent complications such as dry socket. Understanding the correct method for preparing and placing the gauze ensures the clotting mechanism is activated efficiently.
Preparing the Gauze and Mouth
Proper preparation begins with hygiene to prevent introducing bacteria to the open wound. Before touching the gauze or your mouth, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Focus on preparing the gauze pad itself, ensuring it is thick and compact enough to exert focused pressure when you bite down. A standard square of sterile gauze, often 2×2 or 4×4 inches, should be folded or rolled into a small, dense cylinder or square.
The aim is to create a pad bulky enough to bridge the space between the upper and lower jaws, concentrating force directly onto the extraction site. Slightly moistening the gauze with clean water before placement can prevent the material from sticking to and dislodging a newly formed blood clot upon removal. If replacing gauze, gently remove the old, saturated material first, allowing a brief moment to clear any pooled blood before carefully inserting the fresh pad.
Proper Placement Technique
The effectiveness of the gauze depends entirely on placing it precisely over the surgical area, ensuring biting pressure is applied directly to the wound. The folded gauze must sit squarely on the gum ridge where the tooth was removed, not stuffed into the cheek or the back of the mouth. You may need to use a mirror or have a helper position the gauze to confirm it covers the socket completely. Ensure the gauze is positioned over the empty space and not resting on the chewing surfaces of the adjacent teeth.
Once the gauze is in the correct position, bite down with firm, sustained pressure. This pressure controls the bleeding by squeezing the small blood vessels in the wound. Maintain a steady, consistent bite without chewing or talking, as movement will shift the gauze and disrupt the pressure, preventing the clot from stabilizing. If the gauze is positioned incorrectly, you will feel yourself biting down primarily on your teeth, which will not stop the bleeding.
Managing Bleeding and Gauze Duration
The initial piece of gauze should be kept in place with firm pressure for approximately 30 to 60 minutes. After this time, gently remove it to check the surgical site. If the gauze is completely saturated with bright red blood, replace it with a fresh, properly folded pad and bite down again. If the gauze is only lightly stained pink or red-tinged with saliva, or if bleeding has slowed significantly, further use of gauze may not be necessary.
Avoid disturbing the newly formed blood clot by refraining from vigorous rinsing or spitting, which can dislodge the protective plug. Some light oozing or blood-tinged saliva is normal and can persist for up to 24 hours after the procedure, indicating a clot has successfully formed. If active bleeding continues after several changes of gauze, you can try substituting the gauze with a moistened black tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea can help constrict blood vessels and promote clotting. If heavy bleeding remains uncontrolled after following these steps, contact your oral surgeon immediately for further instruction.