Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure to extract third molars, which often emerge later in life and can cause dental issues. Some bleeding is a normal part of the healing process, indicating the body’s natural recovery at the surgical site.
What to Expect Regarding Bleeding
After wisdom teeth removal, it is normal to experience some bleeding or oozing from the extraction sites. This typically manifests as a pinkish tinge in your saliva or light oozing, rather than a continuous flow of bright red blood. This light bleeding is usually most noticeable within the first 24 hours following the surgery. While the heaviest bleeding should slow significantly within 4 hours, some light oozing can persist for up to 24 to 48 hours. It is also common to see a small amount of blood when gently brushing your teeth or eating during the first few days.
Blood-tinged saliva is normal and not concerning, as it represents a mix of saliva with a small amount of blood. This bleeding indicates a blood clot is forming, which protects the empty socket and facilitates healing. Oozing can occur intermittently for up to one to two weeks without alarm.
When Bleeding Becomes Concerning
While some bleeding is expected, certain signs indicate it may be excessive or abnormal. Heavy, continuous flow of bright red blood that quickly fills your mouth or saturates gauze pads suggests abnormal bleeding. Bleeding that does not slow significantly after 4 hours, or remains heavy beyond 24 hours, can be problematic.
Large, frequent blood clots, or needing to change gauze every 10-15 minutes, also suggest excessive bleeding. If bleeding that had stopped suddenly restarts, this is a warning sign. Heavy bleeding accompanied by severe pain, fever, increasing swelling after the third day, or a foul taste in your mouth could indicate a complication.
Steps to Manage Bleeding and When to Contact Your Dentist
To manage normal bleeding, gently bite down on a clean, damp gauze pad placed directly over the extraction site. Maintain firm, continuous pressure for 30 to 60 minutes, replacing gauze as needed until bleeding subsides. Elevating your head with a pillow while resting can also help minimize bleeding.
It is important to avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or using straws for at least 24 to 48 hours, as these actions can dislodge the protective blood clot and restart bleeding. Refrain from smoking, as it can hinder healing and increase the risk of complications. Applying a moistened black tea bag to the surgical site and biting down for 30-45 minutes can help, as the tannic acid in tea promotes clotting.
Contact your oral surgeon or dentist immediately if bleeding remains heavy or persistent despite applying pressure with gauze or a tea bag. For instance, if bleeding has not slowed after 4 hours, or continues to be heavy after 24 hours, professional help is needed. Also, seek prompt attention if you experience uncontrollable bleeding, severe pain that does not improve with medication, swelling that worsens after three days, or signs of infection like fever, chills, or pus from the surgical site.