A tooth extraction is a minimally invasive procedure in most cases. Even so, the process of detaching the tooth from its support structures often results in minor bleeding. Your dentist will take steps to control bleeding during and after the procedure, but you may still experience some bleeding after you go home. How do you stop bleeding after a tooth extraction? Here’s what dental experts recommend.
How is a Tooth Extracted?
The first step in a tooth extraction is anesthesia. For simple tooth extractions local anesthesia is typically sufficient to prevent any discomfort. Complex tooth extractions may need to be done under mild sedation. Once anesthesia has taken effect, the tooth is gently loosened from the socket and removed. A few sutures may be used to close the gum tissue over the socket. If the tooth is being extracted in preparation for a dental implant, a bone graft may be placed in the socket to preserve the existing bone structure.
Managing Bleeding Following a Tooth Extraction
Your dentist will make sure your bleeding is under control before sending you home to recover. You may have some gauze in place at the extraction site to bite down on. If the gauze becomes saturated, replace it with new gauze. Another option is to utilize a wet caffeinated tea bag (cold water): The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to contract the capillaries and accelerate clot formation
What if the Bleeding Won’t Stop?
If the bleeding doesn’t stop within 2 hours of your procedure, contact your dentist. Uncontrolled or heavy bleeding should be reported right away. Patients with known bleeding disorders should inform their dentist before the procedure so that the proper precautions can be taken to encourage clotting.
What if the Bleeding Starts Again?
In cases where your bleeding has stopped, but restarts a little while later, apply the same technique again making sure you continuously apply light pressure with the tea bag or gauze for the full 30 minutes.. If the bleeding does not stop within about 30 minutes of restarting, contact your dentist.
Tips to Prevent New Bleeding
When bleeding restarts after stopping, it is often due to lack of proper follow-up care. These tips can help prevent bleeding from starting again after a tooth extraction.
- Keep your head elevated. It is important to keep your head above your heart after a tooth extraction. This helps to control bleeding and reduce swelling.
- Eat a liquid or soft diet. Stick to a diet made of liquids or soft foods that don’t require chewing. Chewing something hard or crunchy could cause bleeding to resume. Don’t eat on this side of the extraction.
- Don’t drink from a straw. Avoid using a straw for the first 24-48 hours to prevent bleeding, and for a week or two afterwards to prevent dry socket.
- Stick to cold foods and beverages. It is best to consume cold or room temperature foods and beverages for the first 24 hours. Heat can cause bleeding to resume.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions
How long will it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery times vary based on a number of factors such as the complexity of the extraction, age, and your own personal rate of healing. The extraction site hole will usually completely fill by 6 weeks.
Can you lose too much blood after a tooth extraction?
Your dentist will ensure that your bleeding is under control before sending you home. However, if your bleeding becomes severe or uncontrollable, contact your dentist. If loss of consciousness occurs, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department.
Contact Progressive Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
Do you need to have a tooth extracted or have questions about an upcoming appointment? Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.