When to stop using gauze after tooth extraction Reddit

Just had an extraction 6 hours ago. I have been changing the gauze after every hour or so, and applying pressure. Is it ok to remove it now? Every time I have changed it there is always some blood on there (not a lot) do I have to do this until I see zero blood on the gauze?

level 1

Stop using the gauze now! I remove it from the patient's mouth before they leave the surgery.

No need to apply new gauze unless there is a constant stream of blood. Who told you to keep it on for 6 hours? Were you given aftercare instructions?

level 2

To clarify it's normal to have a small amount of blood in the area, this needs to settle and form a blood clot. It's normal to have blood in the saliva 2 days after the extraction.

level 2

No after care I had too use a doctor that didn't speak english since they were the only ones who would take me for an emergency. SO even if there is blood on the guaze I should stop?

I just got my wisdom teeth removed this morning and it has been about 6 hours since. I'm not bleeding profusely but enough to still cover the gauze halfway after leaving it 30 minutes in each time before the change. I haven't slept yet because I know I'm supposed to take the gauze out when I sleep and I honestly just do not want to. I can't find anything about why it needs to be changed 30-60 minutes or why I need to take it out when I sleep other than possibly choking. I am not worried about choking especially with my SO right beside me while I'll be sleeping. I really just want to keep the gauze in, would it really be a problem if I left it in for about a two hour nap?

I just got all four of my wisdom teeth taken out this morning -- the dentist said it was a best case scenerio and were just pulling out teeth that had grown in straight -- no stitches needed.

Anyhow. I replaced my gauze when I got back (soaked), and then replaced them again a few hours later (soaked.) My husband went out and bought more gauze from the store, and since then there has been a bit of blood but not gushing blood or anything. Once i got my teeth taken out 6 hours again, am I good to go with not using anymore gauze?

Thanks!

Hello, So I got my wisdom teeth out this morning (6/19 10ish E.S.T. United States.) I have been changing my gauze about every half hour or so since then. The "oozing" on my left side has almost completely stopped(there is only a little bit of pinkish red blood dot where it touched the extraction site, and my right sight has stopped oozing to a fairly large degree aswell. I imagine that it was caused by my frequent changing of gauze. I'm mainly worried about developing a dry socket from changing my gauze to much, as I recently learned that you can pull out a clot by changing gauze to frequently(I also plan to stop changing it as I'm posting this.) How would I know if I had pulled out a clot? Are there any precautions I should take to fix any damage I may have done by frequently changing my gauze? Or am I being a paranoid patient who has actually done nothing wrong?
Thanks in advance!

Having a tooth extracted can be a stressful experience. But, the recovery doesn’t have to be! There are some practical steps you can take (and a few things to avoid) to make your recovery faster and more comfortable.

Just follow these dentist-approved tips, and you’ll be up and smiling again in no time.

What to expect after surgery

Knowing what to expect can remove a lot of the anxiety that can come with after-surgery care. Typically, a day after surgery, you may experience some pain and some swelling around your eyes and cheeks. This swelling can worsen for up to 72 hours after surgery.

To minimize any discomfort and swelling, apply an ice pack to your jaw for 20 minutes; then remove it for 20 minutes. You can repeat this a few times a day for the first 48 hours. (Tip: you can use a zipped plastic bag with crushed ice if you don’t have an ice pack.) After 48 hours, therapy with ice is no longer effective, so switch to using a heat pack to ease pain or swelling.

After wisdom teeth removal, you can also expect some bleeding for the first few hours. Starting 2 to 3 hours after your procedure, change the gauze at the surgery site every 30-60 minutes and help to control bleeding by biting down firmly on it. Continue this treatment until the bleeding stops. (If bleeding does not stop or worsens, you should contact your dental team for treatment instructions.)

What to do to speed up recovery from wisdom tooth extractions

What to do to help the healing process

Normally, it will take from two to four weeks for the socket (surgical site) to heal. To help this process along, here are some important things you can do:

Keep your mouth clean – It’s okay to carefully brush your teeth the night of your surgery, but wait until the next day to rinse your mouth. From then on, use a cup (8oz) of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt to gently rinse your mouth at least 5 to 6 times a day and especially after meals.

Take medications – Use any pain relievers prescribed by your doctor to control pain and keep you comfortable. Also, if your dentist prescribed antibiotics, make sure to complete the dosages as outlined.

Use a tea bag – No, not to brew you a soothing “cuppa.” Tea has tannic acid, which helps to contract blood vessels and reduce bleeding. Put a moist tea bag on the surgical site and bite down tightly for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Get lots of rest – It’s important to refrain from any physical activity for the first 24 hours after wisdom teeth removal. Elevate your head with some comfy pillows while resting and avoid sleeping on the same side as your extraction.

Resume your usual hygiene routine – After the first 24 hours, you can return to your normal brushing and flossing routine. Just remember to avoid the surgical area. At this time you can also resume wearing any orthodontic retainer you are using. If it causes discomfort, you can safely wait up to a week to begin your orthodontic treatment again.

Watch your diet – At first, eat soft and somewhat cold foods like smoothies, ice cream, yogurt, and pudding. You can gradually change to semi-solids like warm soup and then to solids after the first few days. Here are some great tasting and healthy recipes that will make your downtime more enjoyable!

What not to do after wisdom teeth removal

Now that you are relaxing comfortably and healing nicely by means of our tips above, there are a few things that you need to do to avoid derailing the recovery process.

Do not use straws – It’s vital not to dislodge the blood clot that has formed in the socket or you could experience a condition known as dry socket. Do not rinse your mouth too vigorously, suck on a straw, or drink carbonated beverages for the first 24 hours.

Do not smoke or drink alcohol – Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours after surgery and preferably not for the first week.

Do not blow your nose – This can be a hard one if you’re experiencing any nasal drainage or stuffiness. For the first 14 days, just gently wipe your nose without actually blowing.

Do not eat hard-to-chew foods – Foods such as cereals, nuts, or popcorn can be very difficult to eat after an extraction and may wound sensitive tissues. Wait for a week or so before you add them back to your menu.

By following these easy do’s and don’ts after wisdom teeth removal, you should be well on the way to recovery in just a few days after your procedure.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission. Source.

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