You just had a tooth pulled—now what? You’re likely biting down on some gauze, wondering how long you have to keep it there. Good news: It won’t be forever! But keeping that gauze in place for the right amount of time is key to a smooth recovery. Let’s break it down.
The Magic Number: 30 to 45 Minutes
After your extraction, your Northborough dentist will place a piece of sterile gauze over the extraction site and ask you to gently bite down on it. This helps form a blood clot, which is like nature’s Band-Aid for your gums. The general rule is to keep that gauze in place for 30 to 45 minutes. If the bleeding is still noticeable after that, replace the gauze with a clean piece and continue applying light pressure.
When to Swap It Out
If bleeding slows but doesn’t completely stop, continue using gauze, changing it every 30 to 45 minutes as needed. However, if your mouth is only slightly oozing (which is normal), you can ditch the gauze and let the healing process take over. Pro tip: Avoid spitting or drinking through a straw, as this can dislodge the clot and cause a painful condition called “dry socket.”
What If Bleeding Doesn’t Stop?
Some minor bleeding is expected for the first 24 hours, but if you’re still seeing bright red blood soaking through gauze after several hours, try biting on a damp tea bag (tannins in tea help with clotting). Still worried? Please don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’re always here to help and make sure you’re comfortable and safe, even after your procedure.
Let’s Get You Smiling Again!
At Northborough Family Dental, we want your recovery to be as smooth as possible. If you have questions about post-extraction care or notice anything unusual, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Call us today at (508) 393-2522. We’re happy to help get you back to feeling your best!