One of the questions you may be wondering after having a tooth removed is asking your dentist: Is it normal for bleeding after tooth extraction? Yes, but it is important that you monitor the site for excessive or prolonged bleeding post op.
You can expect bleeding after tooth extraction for one to two hours after post op, but beyond that period, it is important for you to stop continuous bleeding and contact your dentist if you are not able to form a clot on your tooth socket.
Your gum is supposed to quickly form a clot to prevent excessive bleeding post op for extraction. However, sometimes it has a hard time forming a clot and that is when you will need to take extra measures to stop the bleeding.
If that is the case, you should contact your dentist immediately to receive a proper assessment. Never try to handle the situation on your own as it may lead to serious complications.
A tooth extraction is still a type of surgery and your mouth is a very delicate part of your body that is exposed to various types of environmental factors that can interfere with your recovery.
Once your dentist performs a thorough examination of the extraction site and determines there is no medical reason for the bleeding, you may go home and practice safe and effective methods that painlessly help to stop bleeding after tooth extraction.
This article will show you tooth extraction post instructions so that you know how to stop bleeding after tooth extraction and ensure you heal quickly.
Encourage Clot Formation
The main goal to prevent prolonged bleeding after tooth extraction is to help your body form a clot at the site. It is important to allow the clot to remain intact and undisturbed so that the tissue of the normal socket after tooth extraction heals and is sealed completely.
There are several ways you can assist your body in and forming a clot to stop the bleeding after tooth extraction. Practice a combination of the following methods below for best results in tooth extraction healing. Being consistent will increase your chances of healing quickly and completely.
Apply Firm Pressure
Applying pressure directly on the site of the tooth extraction allows the clot to form more quickly so that the healing process can begin. It may be uncomfortable because of how tender the tissue is after the surgery, but it will speed up recovery significantly.
Using pain medication can help you overcome the discomfort. There are a few effective ways to apply firm pressure on the tooth socket post op. These are the best ways to perform this extremely important step in tooth extraction aftercare:
Use a Gauze to Apply Pressure
You may use a gauze folded into a square that fits larger than your tooth socket. Be sure the gauze is fresh out of the packet to avoid contamination that can cause an infection. Bite down firmly for 45 minutes to an hour without moving it out of place.
The size of the folded gauze should be big enough to cover the site and absorb potential bleeding, but it should still allow you to close your mouth comfortably so that your jaw doesn’t fatigue.
A great method with the gauze is to combine it with remedies such as vitamin C powder, zinc, witch hazel, or yarrow. These compounds are excellent to help stop the bleeding and speed up healing.
Another method that speeds up clotting is to wrap a small ice cube inside the gauze. The coldness of the ice cube not only helps the clot form but also decreases inflammation. Since it is very warm inside the mouth, cooling it is an excellent way to heal faster.
Use a Teabag to Apply Pressure
Using a tea bag to apply pressure is another great method that is multi-purpose as the tea contains tannic acid, which is known for helping blood clots form. You’ll want to activate the tea in hot water and let it cool.
Then, fold it as you would the gauze and apply it over the tooth socket. Black tea is an excellent option. This particular type of tea contains a large number of tannins, which also work as an astringent. Tannins are hemostatic, helping blood coagulate quickly.
The tea causes blood vessels and the tissue to constrict. This shrinkage helps stop the bleeding and allows the clot to form. It is a natural and safe method that works very well and also helps you prevent infections.
Protect the Blood Clot Once it Forms
While you accomplish clot formation on the empty tooth socket, it is important that you protect the site so that it remains undisturbed. Otherwise, you may find yourself bleeding after tooth extraction again and starting the clotting process over.
This is especially important within the first 24-48 hours after the extraction. There are several things you can do to avoid disturbing clot formation including:
- Avoid Spitting or Rinsing Vigorously
- Drink only cold or room temperature liquids as hot liquids will irritate the site.
- Avoid air pressure changes caused by blowing your nose, sneezing with your mouth closed, smoking, or using a straw to suction, or playing wind instruments.
How to Safely Consume Foods and Liquids
It is essential that you take precautions when eating and drinking within the first 24 to 48 hours after the extraction. Everything you consume should not be too hot in temperature, spicy, or acidic.
Eat soft, pureed, or liquid foods. Avoid chewing anything that makes your mouth work too much. You should definitely stay away from foods that can disturb the site such as crunchy or seedy items. These can cause trauma to the site and interrupt clot formation.
Position Yourself With Your Head Elevated
After a tooth extraction, you may be inclined to take pain medication and go to sleep. As it is helpful to rest, you must be aware of keeping your head elevated so that blood doesn’t rush to the site creating more pressure and inflammation.
Laying down flat or putting your head below shoulder level can cause more bleeding for a longer period. Use pillows and be sure that you maintain a comfortable position that does not cause tension anywhere in the body.
Be sure your head stays above your heart for the first 24 to 48 hours post extraction bleeding. This precaution helps keep the bleeding under control as well as helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Home Remedies and Medications
Besides the pain medication, you are prescribed, there are other substances that can aid your healing process by stimulating blood clot formation.
Ankaferd Blood Stopper
This hemostatic can be used as a complimentary herbal remedy that helps the clot form by speeding blood coagulation. If your dentist does not prescribe this remedy, you may ask him or her for a prescription.
Ankaferd Blood Stopper has been successfully used for centuries in places like Turkey and Anatolia for tooth extraction bleeding. The National Institute of Health confirms its rapid effects on blood coagulation.
Aminocaproic Acid
This FDA-approved prescription medication is used to treat various types of bleeding disorders. Aminocaproic Acid prevents the enzymes in the blood to interfere with the clotting process.
It is a very effective treatment that helps the gum heal quickly after a tooth extraction. It is available in liquid form and stops bleeding in only 30 minutes. You may reapply if bleeding doesn’t stop within that timeframe, but it should definitely help you form a clot the first day post op.
Do Gentle Salt Rinses
Gently rinsing with salt water is the best way to stop bleeding after a tooth extraction for some people. It is easy, painless, and effective. This method cleanses the mouth, preventing infections from occurring. It is very easy to prepare, simply add one or two teaspoons of salt into eight ounces of lukewarm water and stir until it dissolves.
Gently introduce the water into your mouth and slowly swish with a very gentle motion over the extraction site. Spit out the water and repeat the procedure at least a few times.
It is a safe bet to use salt water rinses for two or three days to bring the extraction site some relief, encourage clot formation, and prevent dangerous infections.
Organic Clove Oil
Clove oil works both as a pain reliever and an antiseptic. It helps you deal with some of the pain you may feel after the extraction. Additionally, it helps decrease swelling and has a numbing effect, which is great for the delicate sore gum tissue.
To utilize clove oil, simply dilute a few drops with an equal amount of olive oil in a clean container. Soak the oil into a cotton ball and place it over the tooth socket for a few minutes.
Using a cotton ball allows your gum to absorb the clove oil better. Repeat the procedure for the first 24 to 48 hours every two or three hours to stop the bleeding and pain as necessary.
How to Avoid Developing a Dry Socket
A dry socket of alveolar osteitis can occur when the clot that is form gets dislodged and exposes the bone at the extraction site to bacteria from air or food. Besides excessive pain, you may start to notice bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth.
The pain may feel like a radiating or throbbing pain that travels from your tooth socket towards your ear. It may occur a couple of days after the extraction. The key to prevent a dry socket is to protect the clot that forms.
It is very important that once the clot forms, it continues to heal uninterruptedly until the tissue seals naturally as the scar starts to form. A dry socket is an emergency and you must be seen by your dentist immediately.
If left unattended, a dry socket can become infected, which can develop into a serious health concern.
Avoid Strenuous Physical Activity
After your tooth extraction, it is best for you to engage only in easy and gentle physical activities for at least the first 72 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise or forceful movements such as lifting heavy objects, bending down for long periods of time, or even performing some household chores.
Strenuous physical activity can interfere with the clotting process by making your heart pump faster and harder and increasing your blood pressure. Once your clot forms in a few days, you may resume normal activities with caution.
Allow Sufficient Healing Time
If you closely follow post dental extraction instructions, you will heal properly and feel your best. Your dentist will determine how much healing time is necessary according to how complicated or easy the extraction was.
Ask your dentist how long does bleeding last after tooth extraction as this can vary.
With simple extractions, you will stop bleeding in approximately 12 to 24 hours. However, for more complicated extractions that required surgery and stitches, you may require a longer healing period depending on the depth of the incision.
Excessive bleeding after tooth extraction is not normal. Bleeding should stop after 24 hours, otherwise, contact your dentist to prevent a possible infection or complication. Following all recommendations will help you heal faster, which is why it is worth taking your time to carry out all care instructions.
Dealing With Pain and Swelling After an Extraction
It is normal for your gum tissue to swell after the trauma a tooth extraction causes. Pain and discomfort should be expected, it could be slight or severe depending on the person and other factors. However, as you perform post extraction care, the pain and swelling should subside fairly quickly.
The pain should be manageable, it should never be severe as this may indicate a complication. Pulling molars can bleed more and cause more pain, as well as pulling permanent teeth.
Never doubt to contact your dentist if you have difficulty dealing with the pain and swelling. These effects should be manageable with the care instructions provided.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
What happens if bleeding doesn t stop after tooth extraction or you experience other serious symptoms?
If you do not have access to your dentist, and you have any concerns about bleeding after tooth extraction, extreme pain, or swelling, it is a good idea to visit the emergency room for good measure.
You must definitely call an ambulance if you become short of breath, dizzy, lightheaded, have unbearable pain, have chest pain, or have any other serious symptoms.
Summary
When there are no other options and a tooth extraction is necessary, you should have a successful recovery as long as you carefully and consistently follow post op instructions and learn how to stop tooth bleeding.
A major factor in proper healing is knowing how to stop bleeding after tooth extraction.
You should see continuous progress after you leave the dentist. On the very first day post extraction, you should experience less swelling, pain, and bleeding.
If you don’t see improvement in the bleeding after tooth extraction, it is crucial you seek care from your dentist. It is important that you choose a dentist that is known for following high standards of care for tooth extraction North Hollywood.
Our experienced team at Victory Plaza Dental has a long history of success with extractions and other procedures. We are known as the best North Hollywood dental office for children and adults.
For low cost tooth extraction North Hollywood, call us today for an appointment at 818-927-0726 or book an appointment online.