How You Should Manage Your Bleeding After Oral Surgery
Posted on 9/16/2024 by Greater Charlotte Oral and Facial Surgery |
 You've just had oral surgery, and you're feeling great – except for one thing: the bleeding. It seems like it won't stop! Don't worry, this is perfectly normal. After any oral surgery procedure, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, or even a simple tooth extraction, some bleeding is expected.
However, it's important to know how to manage the bleeding properly to promote healing and prevent complications. Here's what you need to know:
What to Expect
After oral surgery, you may experience some bleeding for the first 24 hours. This is mostly due to the small blood vessels in the gums and soft tissues that were cut during the procedure. The bleeding should gradually decrease over time.
If you have excessive bleeding – bleeding that soaks a gauze pad within an hour – you should contact your oral surgeon immediately. Remember, even a small amount of bleeding mixed with saliva can appear to be more than it actually is.
How to Manage Bleeding
Here are some tips on how to manage bleeding after oral surgery:
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Apply pressure: Bite down on a gauze pad directly over the surgical site for 30-45 minutes. Repeat this process as needed. |
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, including water and clear juices, to help your body heal. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as these can dehydrate you and increase bleeding. |
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Keep your head elevated: When you lay down, keep your head elevated on a couple of pillows to reduce swelling and bleeding. |
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Avoid strenuous activity: For the first 24 hours after surgery, avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting. This will help to prevent bleeding and promote healing. |
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Avoid rinsing and spitting: For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing or spitting vigorously. This can dislodge the blood clot that is forming over the surgical site and prolong bleeding. |
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Brush gently: You can brush your teeth gently after 24 hours, but avoid brushing the surgical site. |
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No smoking: Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after surgery. |
Taking Care of Yourself
In addition to managing the bleeding, it's important to take care of yourself after oral surgery. This includes getting plenty of rest, eating soft foods, and taking any medications as prescribed by your oral surgeon.
Here are some additional tips for taking care of yourself after oral surgery:
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Get plenty of rest: This will help your body heal and rebuild. |
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Eat soft foods: Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods for the first few days after surgery. These foods can irritate the surgical site and make it more difficult to heal. |
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Take any medications as prescribed: Your oral surgeon may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics. It's important to take these medications as directed to help manage pain and prevent infection. |
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Apply ice packs: Apply ice packs to the surgical site for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. |
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Avoid using straws: Using straws can create suction in your mouth, which can dislodge the blood clot and prolong bleeding. |
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Keep the surgical site clean: Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water) several times a day to keep the surgical site clean. |
When to Call Your Oral Surgeon
If you experience any of the following symptoms after oral surgery, call your oral surgeon immediately:
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Excessive bleeding that soaks a gauze pad within an hour |
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Increasing pain |
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Swelling that gets worse after 48 hours |
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Fever |
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Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the surgical site |
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Numbness or tingling in your mouth that doesn't go away after a few hours |
Conclusion
Following your oral surgeon's instructions after surgery is crucial for a smooth recovery. While some bleeding is expected, it is essential to know how to manage it properly. By following the tips mentioned above, you can promote healing and minimize complications. Please remember that this information is for general knowledge and does not substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. If you have any specific questions or concerns about your situation, please consult your oral surgeon.
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