Keeping teeth healthy by using treatment options such as fillings or root canals is always a dentist’s priority. However, wisdom tooth extraction is also a common treatment, and dentists nationwide remove millions of wisdom teeth each year. Tooth extraction is a common treatment, whether due to tooth decay or overcrowding. But how long does the bleeding last after wisdom tooth extraction? Tooth extraction can be a simple extraction or a more complex operation such as wisdom teeth that requires oral surgery.
With both tooth extraction options, bleeding from the tooth is completely normal and can continue for the first 24 hours. But what to do if the bleeding does not stop? Is bleeding 5 days after tooth extraction normal? What can you do and when should you call your dentist in Ottawa?
If you want to speed up the healing process, there are things you can do to prevent bleeding after wisdom tooth extraction. In the rest of the article, we will explain all these things that you can do to control bleeding.
How to help the formation of a blood clot at the extraction site?
Bleeding after tooth extraction is common but should stop once a blood clot has formed. Depending on the tooth removed or the complexity of the procedure, it may bleed from a few minutes to a few hours until a blood clot forms.
It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions after a tooth extraction to make sure the blood clot forms and heals properly. Using gauze immediately after tooth extraction helps clot formation.
You should get plenty of rest, apply an ice pack to your face for swelling and pain, and eat only soft or liquid foods for at least a day or so.
In addition to gauze dressing, following these tips will reduce bleeding and help recovery:
Do not rinse your mouth and spit out the blood – rinsing your mouth, especially with warm water, can dissolve the blood clot and increase bleeding. Spitting can also cause suction and draw out the blood stain. If blood and saliva collect in your mouth, simply remove it from your mouth.
Do not drink through a straw – this can again cause suction in the mouth and dislodge the clot.
Avoid hot liquids or foods – these substances can dissolve blood clots.
Avoid blowing your nose or sneezing – if you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open.
Don’t smoke – smoking can cause suction in the mouth and interfere with the healing process. It can also increase the risk of dry sockets.
Take time to rest – In the first 24 hours, your body needs time to rest and recover. When lying down, raise your head slightly so that it is above your heart. This lowers blood pressure and helps reduce bleeding.
Use an ice pack for swelling – In addition to bleeding, swelling is common after skin pulling. Place an ice pack on your cheeks for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce the swelling.
Care after wisdom tooth extraction
After tooth extraction and oral surgery, it is important to follow your dentist’s care instructions. The first 48 hours are critical to the healing process, and proper care will help you avoid prolonged bleeding, infection, and painful complications such as dry sinuses. In the following, we will explain your recovery process and the tips you need to help reduce bleeding and recovery.
The first 24 hours after wisdom tooth extraction
The first 24 hours after wisdom tooth extraction is when you can expect the most bleeding. This process is completely natural. The dentist will send you home with gauze placed over the extraction site to help create pressure and blood clotting. Be sure to apply steady pressure to this area by squeezing the gas.
You will also receive a replacement bandage and should replace it at least a few hours after removal. If the bleeding continues, you can substitute cold, moist tea bags instead of bandages. Tea contains tannins that help constrict blood vessels and promote blood clotting.
48 hours after wisdom tooth extraction
On the second day after the extraction, you’ll want to follow many of the first 24-hour aftercare instructions. While you should no longer experience bleeding, it is still possible for the tooth to bleed. Use gauze or ice packs if needed.
It’s important to understand that seeing blood in your saliva doesn’t necessarily mean you’re still bleeding. Saliva can collect blood from a clot and make it look like you’re still bleeding. Avoid any vigorous activity or exercise. Continue to avoid hot drinks, drinking through straws, and smoking. Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that can damage the extraction site and dislodge the blood clot.
3 to 7 days after wisdom tooth extraction
Over the next few days, the goal is to preserve the blood clot and allow the area to fully heal. Continue regular brushing and oral hygiene, but avoid brushing the area of wisdom teeth and surrounding teeth. Gently rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution to help remove bacteria from those areas. Pay attention to what you eat and avoid hard foods or foods that require a lot of chewing.
At the end of this first week, some tissue is formed. This helps protect the extraction site until bone forms in that area. You may continue to have swollen and sensitive gums for several weeks. This is especially true after wisdom tooth extraction, where recovery time may take a little longer.