Bleeding After Tooth Extraction

You are probably aware that tooth extraction bleeding is quite common. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to make the wound heal significantly faster. However, there are a couple of things that people often forget that can delay the healing process. 

If you are in need of tooth extractions or you just finished with the procedure, here is all you need to know about the process, what to avoid, and whether there is a reason for concern. 

Is It Normal?

Bleeding after tooth extraction is perfectly normal. Since the tooth removal will leave a hole in your gums, it is expected for it to bleed after the process is done. The bigger the tooth, the more complex the entire process will be. That means that removing a wisdom tooth will be the biggest problem. 

Furthermore, if the process requires surgery, bleeding is quite expected. Of course, surgery ends with stitches, and the doctor will seal the wound, so bleeding shouldn’t be as excessive as regular tooth extractions. With that being said, bleeding should stop in 24 hours. Anything beyond that can be concerning. Keep in mind that blood from the wound is mixed with saliva, which might cause you to believe that there is excessive bleeding. 

In the majority of cases, the dentist will place a gauze pad on the wound, and the pressure from it will help form blood clots. The dentist will also tell you everything you need to know about the recovery process. This includes when the bleeding should stop, what type of pain medication you can use, and other methods to help ease the pain.

When to Be Concerned?

So, the main questions here are how much you are bleeding from the extraction site and how long has it been since the bleeding started or, rather, since tooth removal. In short, anything beyond what your dentist tells you can be a reason for concern. Usually, bleeding for 24 hours after the procedure is perfectly fine. But if your wound continues bleeding for the next few days, you might want to check what’s happening. 

The same thing applies to the amount of blood you will notice. As we mentioned before, it will always look like you are bleeding more than you really are. Thanks to saliva, everything you notice will be exaggerated. At the same time, you can always consult your dentist after a day or two if that’s something that will make you feel better. 

Based on the type of procedure and size of the tooth, pain and bleeding are side effects you should expect. But anything out of the ordinary can be a reason to visit your dentist. 

What Can You Do?

So, how to stop bleeding after tooth extraction? Let’s start from the beginning. 

The first thing you should avoid is using straws. Yes, you read that right. Drinking with a straw will create a vacuum in your mouth. That can result in the blood clot popping out. Since the entire tooth socket is still sensitive, you will need to ensure that the natural process happens without any disturbance. 

Furthermore, anything that can create a vacuum in your mouth is something you should avoid. This also includes smoking. Cigarettes are another way to dislodge the blood clot in your mouth, which will only cause the entire process to start again. Also, tobacco is not healthy as well. There are a few substances in cigarettes and tobacco that can delay healing. 

Another common reason that can cause the blood clot to break up is oral hygiene. Bacteria can accumulate on the gum tissue and cause problems. Usually, using a soft toothbrush is a great solution. The dentist might also suggest using a mouthwash. 

Of course, you will still need to eat. The pain can last for a couple of days, depending on the procedure, which is why you will need to focus on soft food. Moreover, try to avoid eating on the side where the tooth was. The less you use that part of the jaw, the easier it will be for it to heal. Once again, you should avoid any type of food that requires sucking, like soups and anything that can damage the wound and affect the blood clot. 

When to Contact Your Dentist?

Feeling pain is rather normal after the procedure. There are numerous different ways you can ease the pain, and people often use medication, ice packs, or anything else that can numb the area. But when is the time to call your dentist? If the situation doesn’t improve in the next few days after the extraction, it might be a good idea to seek professional help. 

It is always better to be safe than sorry, and asking for a second opinion will put your mind to ease. Of course, if the pain becomes unbearable or if the bleeding won’t stop after a while, that is a clear sign that you should look for a dental service. 

While it might seem scary, there is nothing to worry about. The only thing you need to do is pay attention to what your dentist is saying. If anything is out of the ordinary, pay them a visit. The sooner you contact the dentist, the easier it will be to solve the problem. 

Once the local anesthetic starts wearing off, there is a chance that you will start noticing the pain. And this is another thing that’s perfectly normal. The first twenty-four hours are the hardest since bleeding and pain are quite common. As time goes on, your body will start healing, and it will become a lot more bearable. So, if you notice any change, or that the situation is not getting better, don’t be afraid to visit your dentist!