Managing Bleeding
Postoperative Instructional Video

Bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon, however, bleeding should stop within 24 hours of the procedure.

How to know bleeding has stopped

Often the gauze will be somewhat pink but not deeply red or saturated. If it is somewhat pink, this indicates that bleeding is well controlled. The key is to prevent blood from welling up or dripping out of your mouth.

Tips:

1. Place a firm roll of moist gauze directly over the bleeding area and apply continuous pressure by closing the teeth firmly together for 30-45 minutes. Repeat if necessary.
2. If bleeding persists, bite on a moistened black tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannins in the black tea helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels.
3. Your doctor may have placed stitches or sutures over the extraction socket. These usually dissolve within the first five to seven days after surgery.