Most people find dental treatment an uncomfortable experience, and tooth extraction is one of them, but it’s very important for one’s oral health. A tooth extraction is the removal of decayed teeth, which can help reduce the chance of an infection. After tooth extraction, your dentist may recommend you use gauze to control bleeding and facilitate the healing process.
Some people who have teeth extraction treatment get irritated by continuously using gauze. However, it is advisable to monitor the amount of blood you are losing to determine when to stop using gauze after wisdom tooth extraction.
What is the Gauze?
A gauze is a hemostatic dressing, a kind of soft and absorbent material that may be employed when the patient is dealing with bleeding to induce clot formation after dental procedures like tooth extractions, third molar surgery, endodontic treatments, or other dental surgeries. The gauze puts pressure on the wound, leading to clot formation so that the clot covers the exposed tissues and bones to protect them from bacterial infections.
Why Do Dentists Use Gauze After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Usually, dentists advise using gauze to ensure that there is no active bleeding from your surgery area after wisdom tooth extraction. However, the extraction site is still not in normal condition; applying direct pressure while eating or biting on a gauze pad can close the blood vessels, and the clotting formation starts.
We know that there are good and bad germs in our mouths. A gauze is an absorbent that acts as a guard to protect the area of the extraction against harmful infection-causing bacteria.
Some people are not heavy bleeders, so determining the amount of blood loss is difficult because the blood will combine with saliva in the mouth. Gauze soaked the blood as well as the saliva, making it easier for dental experts to determine when gauze needs to be changed.
Using Gauze After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Most dentists advise people to keep using gauze for 15-30 minutes, but not all people have the same dental issues and treatments. Here are some signs and indicators to keep using gauze and when to remove the gauze:
When Should You Keep Using Gauze After Tooth Extraction
Bleeding Rate
Some people have a faster clotting formation than others. Mild bleeding usually continues for a few hours after the wisdom tooth extraction, but if it continues, keep the gauze in extraction and gently apply pressure to the gauze for the formation of clots.
Simply check your gauze pad after 1 hour if you are a heavy bleeder; if you find slight bleeding or blood, replace the gauze and bite down to keep firm pressure. Repeat this process till your bleeding stops. If you still bleed a lot after a few hours of your surgery, call your dentist right away.
Case Severity
Extraction procedures of an impacted wisdom tooth can cause more bleeding than normal extraction procedures.
Some patients also have the problem of a dry socket, but they don’t know. Sometimes blood clots at the extraction area can dissolve or disappear, exposing the underlying bone and nerves. This is called a dry socket. It’s a serious condition and can be painful, and if you leave it untreated, it can cause an infection.
If you have severe pain, bad breath, or bad taste in the mouth after tooth extraction, then leave the gauze in place longer and take the prescribed medication to control the pain and prevent infection. In case of unbearable pain, consult with a dentist.
Other Affecting Factors
The bleeding and healing process can be influenced by taking particular medications, health conditions, or lifestyle habits like smoking. Follow the post-surgery care recommended by your dentist.
When to Stop Using Gauze After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Formation of Clot
Most dentists suggest their patients leave the gauze in the particular wounded area for about 15-30 minutes after the wisdom tooth extraction for clotting. However, in severe situations, the dentist suggests using the gauze for 24 hours.
If you feel a jelly-like substance at the surgical site, it’s a sign that the bleeding has stopped and the clot is formed. You can pull out the gauze now.
Reduced Bleeding
A person having wisdom tooth extraction should change their gauze every 15–30 minutes and check the blood. If there’s still bleeding, use fresh gauze and bite gently; pressure will help reduce the rate of oozing out of blood.
When the blood flow has ceased and the gauze that you replace is still clean and has minimal blood stains. It is the indicator that means a blood clot is formed and the healing process has started. It may be the time to stop using the gauze.
Recovery Time
If the above conditions are met after 3-4 hours of wisdom tooth extraction, you can throw out the gauze from your mouth.
Precautions and Post-Gauze Care Tips
Following the instructions of the dental experts after wisdom tooth extraction is important for your oral health. Here are some useful post-gauze care tips for speedy recovery.
Salt Water Rinse: After the first 24 hours of wisdom tooth extraction, the bleeding has completely stopped. Now you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water or prescribed mouthwash multiple times a day. It will be helpful to remove debris from the extraction area and promote healing.
Food Intakes: One should not do anything that disturbs the blood clot. Eating hard or crispy, sticky foods and other chewy substances can lead to displaced blood clots. You should avoid smoking, chewing tobacco, and consuming food or liquids through straws because it will dislodge the blood clot, and the healing becomes delayed.
Oral Care: It’s necessary to maintain your oral hygiene to avoid the risk of severe dental complications, but brushing harshly is not a good idea after wisdom tooth extraction. Simply avoid vigorous rinsing, brushing, and splitting for the first 24 hours of post-extraction. Follow the instructions of your dentist to manage swelling and take the recommended medication for pain relief if you need it.
Physical Activity: Avoiding vigorous physical strains is suggested during the healing process after wisdom tooth extraction. For faster recovery, you should take proper rest for about 24 hours.
Want a Solution for Tooth Discomfort? Consult with a Dental Expert!
We know that taking care after wisdom tooth extraction needs proper attention, and sometimes it should also be very stressful. Celebrate Dental is a team of expert dental surgeons who help people make their recovery comfortable and smooth.
If you have any concerns about the tooth extraction or aftercare, schedule an appointment today!
