After a tooth extraction, some bleeding is a normal part of the healing process. However, persistent or excessive bleeding can cause concern. This guide clarifies what to anticipate after a tooth removal and when to seek professional dental attention.
Understanding Normal Bleeding
After a tooth is extracted, the body forms a blood clot in the empty socket. This clot serves as a protective barrier for the exposed bone and nerves, playing a crucial role in initial healing. Patients are typically advised to bite down on a gauze pad to help facilitate this clot formation and control initial bleeding.
Normal bleeding usually appears as oozing or pink-tinged saliva, gradually subsiding within the first few hours. While a small amount of blood can mix with a larger volume of saliva, making the bleeding appear more substantial than it is, significant, continuous bright red bleeding is not typical. Most bleeding should diminish significantly or stop within 24 hours, though slight spotting can occur for up to 48 hours.
Common Reasons for Continued Bleeding
Several factors can cause bleeding to continue beyond the normal healing period. A frequent reason is a dislodged or disrupted blood clot. Actions like vigorous rinsing, spitting, or touching the extraction site can interfere with the clot’s stability, potentially leading to renewed bleeding. If the clot dislodges, the underlying bone and nerves can become exposed, which is a condition known as a dry socket.
Physical trauma to the extraction site, such as chewing on the area, can also re-initiate bleeding. Engaging in strenuous activities too soon after the procedure can increase blood flow and aggravate the wound. Underlying medical conditions can impair the body’s ability to clot blood effectively. These include bleeding disorders, liver disease, or certain systemic illnesses like diabetes.
Certain medications also contribute to prolonged bleeding. Blood thinners, or anticoagulants, such as Warfarin, Eliquis, and Aspirin, are designed to prevent blood clots and can increase the risk of bleeding after dental procedures. Some over-the-counter pain relievers, specifically NSAIDs like ibuprofen, can also affect clotting and may lead to increased bleeding.
An infection at the extraction site can cause ongoing inflammation and oozing. Signs of infection often include worsening pain, swelling, and sometimes a foul odor or discharge.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Contact your dentist or oral surgeon if bleeding from the extraction site is heavy, bright red, and does not slow down after applying direct pressure for an extended period, such as 30 to 60 minutes. If you are frequently changing gauze pads because they are quickly saturated with blood, this indicates excessive blood loss that requires professional evaluation. Bleeding that persists beyond 24 to 48 hours, despite following post-extraction care instructions, should prompt a call to your dental professional.
Other warning signs include the formation of large, continuous blood clots that resemble jelly, or if bleeding is accompanied by severe pain that intensifies rather than subsides. Swelling, redness, or the presence of pus around the extraction site, especially if these symptoms worsen after the initial 48 hours, can signal an infection. Any fever, foul taste, or difficulty swallowing that accompanies the bleeding also warrants immediate attention.