Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgical procedure. It is often performed to address issues like impaction or crowding. A natural part of the healing process after this extraction involves some degree of bleeding. This article provides a clear understanding of post-extraction bleeding, offering practical guidance for management and outlining when professional intervention may be necessary.
What to Expect Regarding Bleeding
After wisdom teeth removal, some bleeding is entirely normal and expected. Your body immediately begins to form a blood clot at the surgical site, which is essential for healing and protecting the exposed bone and nerves. This initial bleeding can be heaviest in the first few hours, gradually slowing down within 24 hours.
It is common to see blood-tinged saliva, which can make the amount of blood appear greater than it is. This pinkish or reddish saliva may continue for up to 48 hours after surgery. Light oozing or spotting is also considered normal during this period. The goal is for significant bleeding to subside within a few hours, ideally within 2-4 hours, as the blood clot stabilizes.
First Steps to Manage Bleeding
Should active bleeding persist after the initial post-operative period, applying consistent, direct pressure to the extraction site is the primary method for control. Your oral surgeon will likely provide sterile gauze pads for this purpose. Fold a clean piece into a thick pad and place it directly over the socket, ensuring it is positioned to allow firm biting pressure. Bite down gently but firmly for at least 30 to 45 minutes without interruption. This pressure helps to compress the blood vessels and encourage the formation of a stable blood clot.
After the recommended time, remove the gauze to check the bleeding. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze with a fresh pad and repeat the pressure application for another 30 to 45 minutes. You may need to repeat this process several times until the bleeding subsides.
If gauze is unavailable or ineffective, a moistened black tea bag can serve as an alternative. Black tea contains tannic acid, which acts as an astringent to constrict blood vessels and promote clotting. To use, dampen a black tea bag with water, squeeze out excess liquid, and place it directly over the extraction site, biting down firmly for 30 minutes.
Signs You Need Professional Help
While some bleeding is anticipated, certain signs indicate it is not normal and requires immediate professional attention. Contact your dental professional if bleeding is continuous and heavy, rapidly saturating gauze pads within minutes, even after sustained pressure. Large, bright red blood clots, or bleeding actively pooling in your mouth, are concerning indicators. Bleeding that continues beyond 24 hours, or restarts heavily after it had previously stopped, warrants a call.
Seek help if bleeding is accompanied by other severe symptoms such as intense pain that does not improve with medication, or pain that worsens after a few days. Signs of infection, including fever above 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.8 degrees Celsius), pus discharge from the site, or swelling that increases after 72 hours, also require immediate contact. Persistent numbness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or an unpleasant odor from the surgical site could signal complications needing prompt evaluation.
Minimizing Bleeding After Extraction
Diligent post-operative care is important for minimizing prolonged bleeding and promoting healing. For the first 24 hours following surgery, avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or using a straw, as these actions can dislodge the newly formed blood clot and restart bleeding. The suction created by a straw is particularly disruptive to the delicate clot. Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products, as they interfere with clot stability and healing.
Limit strenuous physical activity for the first few days post-surgery, as increased heart rate and blood pressure can lead to renewed bleeding. When resting, keep your head elevated with pillows to help reduce swelling and control bleeding. Consume only soft foods that do not require much chewing and avoid hot liquids or foods for the first 24 hours.