Bleeding after dental surgery is a common and expected part of healing. While unsettling, most post-operative bleeding is minor and manageable with home care. Knowing how to address it ensures a smooth recovery.
Immediate Steps to Control Bleeding
Applying firm, consistent pressure to the surgical site is the primary method to control bleeding. Place a sterile gauze pad, folded into a thick wad, directly over the site. Bite down firmly on the gauze for at least 30 to 45 minutes. This sustained pressure compresses blood vessels and encourages a stable blood clot within the socket.
Changing gauze too frequently can disrupt clot formation; leave it in place for the full duration. If bleeding persists, apply a fresh gauze pad and repeat the process. Elevating the head with extra pillows while resting can also help reduce blood flow to the site.
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the cheek near the surgical site also helps control bleeding. The cold constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow, swelling, and bruising. Apply intermittently (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) during the first 24 hours after surgery.
Recognizing Normal and Concerning Bleeding
Normal bleeding after dental surgery is a slight oozing or pinkish saliva, not a continuous flow of bright red blood. Saliva may appear streaked with blood for up to 24 hours. This is often due to residual blood mixing with saliva, making it seem worse.
Concerning bleeding, however, is a steady, bright red flow that soaks through multiple gauze pads within 30 minutes. If the surgical site continues to bleed actively despite consistent pressure, or if large, jelly-like blood clots are continuously forming, this indicates a problem. These signs suggest the initial clot may not be forming effectively or has been dislodged.
Factors to Avoid for Faster Healing
Certain actions and substances can impede clotting and disrupt healing, increasing bleeding. Avoid vigorous rinsing or forceful spitting, as the pressure can dislodge the fragile blood clot. This dislodgement, known as a “dry socket” if the clot is completely lost, can lead to increased pain and delayed healing.
Drinking through a straw creates negative pressure that can dislodge the blood clot. Smoking or consuming alcohol can also irritate the surgical site and interfere with healing. Nicotine restricts blood flow, while alcohol thins the blood and increases bleeding risk.
Avoid hot foods and liquids, as heat can increase blood flow, dislodging the clot and prolonging bleeding. Very cold or hard foods can also irritate the wound. Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 to 48 hours, as increased blood pressure from exertion can lead to more bleeding.
When Professional Intervention is Needed
While most post-surgical bleeding is manageable at home, certain signs indicate professional attention is needed. If bleeding continues profusely and uncontrollably despite home care for several hours, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. This includes gauze pads continuously saturated with bright red blood every 30 minutes for over two to three hours.
Severe, persistent pain not alleviated by prescribed medication, especially if worsening, warrants evaluation. Other concerning symptoms include significant or rapidly increasing swelling around the surgical site, indicating infection or a hematoma. Fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty breathing are serious signs requiring immediate emergency medical attention, pointing to a spreading infection or allergic reaction.