Oct
When to Stop Using Gauze After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
During a tooth extraction, a dentist places gauze over the site to control the bleeding and promote healing. If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction and are wondering when to stop using the gauze, this blog post is just for you. Here, we will answer all the questions you may have regarding removing the gauze after the wisdom tooth extraction.
Why do you have to keep the gauze after wisdom tooth extraction?
Gauze helps control bleeding by applying pressure to the extraction site. This eventually leads to the formation of a blood clot there, which is an important part of healing as it prevents the bones and tissues from being exposed to food, contaminants, and bacteria.
Furthermore, gauze’s absorbent nature is a key player in post-extraction care. By soaking up excess blood and saliva from the extraction site, it significantly reduces the risk of infection.
When can you stop using the gauze after the tooth extraction?
Generally, patients are advised to keep the gauze in place for almost 45 minutes post-procedure.
Your dental surgeon will ask you to bite the gauze firmly onto the extraction site to prevent bleeding. In case the bleeding does not stop, they may replace the gauze and ask you to repeat it until it stops.
Once the bleeding has stopped, your gauze will be removed, and you will be instructed to continue the healing process at home. But, in some cases, surgeons may advise the patient to keep the gauze for up to 24 hours.
Here are a few things you should pay attention to if you have to keep the gauze for a day:
- Make sure to replace your gauze every 30 minutes. This way, you can also check it for blood.
- If the bleeding persists in that area, consider using the fresh gauze.
- A wet tea bag can also help stop the bleeding.
- The sign to stop using the gauze is when the bleeding has stopped. You can check it by looking at the gauze for 30 minutes. If it comes out clean and dry, you can stop using the gauze any further.
- After 24 hours, rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm salt water. You should perform this several times a day to keep the extraction site clean and promote healing in that area.
Here are a few things that you should avoid altogether:
- Spitting
- Rigorous sinking
- Smoking
- Drinking with a straw
- Chew the hard food
- Having sticky food
- Anything that can dislodge the blood clot and come in the way of healing
Risks of not using a gauze after wisdom tooth extraction
Not using a tooth extraction can expose you to the risk of infection and extend the healing duration. If you do not use gauze the bleeding might not stop and your nerves and bone can get exposed to food, contaminants and bacteria easily.
Why can’t you use the gauze indefinitely?
Although gauze plays a crucial role in stopping bleeding and helping with healing, it cannot be used indefinitely. Using it in excess can prevent blood clot formation, which can further cause complications like dry sockets, prolonged pain, and infection.
Leaving tooth extraction gauze in place for an extended period can disrupt the natural clotting process, potentially leading to serious complications such as ‘dry socket ‘.
Dry socket, also known as alveolar osteitis, is a painful condition that can occur after tooth extraction. When a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the socket to cover the bone and nerves. A dry socket occurs when this clot is not dislodged or forms correctly.
The symptoms of a dry socket include severe pain in the socket that radiates to the other parts of the head. The pain can start 2-3 days after the extractions and last 10-40 days. Other symptoms include bad breath and sour taste.
Is it fine to sleep with gauze in the mouth after extraction?
Though gauze is helpful in the initial hours of extraction but, it is not advisable to sleep with gauze in your mouth as there are some risks associated with it, such as:
Risk of choking
There is a risk of choking in case the gauze dislodges while sleeping, given that people generally move a lot in their sleep.
Natural Healing Process
Our body has natural healing capability. However, using gauze for a prolonged period can hinder the healing process and make the site susceptible to infection.
Signs you don’t need gauze anymore
You can stop using the gauze on an extraction site when you notice minimal to no bleeding. Here are some other key signs to look out for:
1. A firm jelly like clot is noticeable in the extraction site.
2. Pain levels have decreased significantly.
3. No fresh blood coming after you remove the gauze.
Along with this, here are some important points to remember:
1. Follow what your dentist says
Based on your situation, they will guide you on how long you need to use the gauze.
2. Check for dry socket
If you experience severe pain or visible bone in the socket after stopping, the gauze could be a sign of a dry socket.
3. Gentle rinsing
After you stop using the gauze, take gentle care of your hygiene.
Signs your tooth extraction site is healing
Decreased swelling
If you observe your pain and swelling gradually going away, you are on the path to recovery.
Blood Clot
A blood clot forms in the socket, signalling your healing process is going alright.
Pinkish tissue
You will observe a pinkish tissue developing over the extraction site during healing.
Granulation tissue
There is white stuff forming around the socket. This stuff is basically granulation tissue replacing the blood clot. The tissue is made up of blood vessels, collagen, and white blood cells.
The hole starts to close
After 72 hours, the hole in the socket will start to close.
Bleeding stops
Bleeding should have stopped by the end of the week.
What to do if you end up with pain or bleeding?
If you experience severe pain, dry socket, or any other issues after a tooth extraction, it’s important to consult a professional. You can conveniently schedule an appointment with Emergency Dental 365, as we are available to help you 7 days a week. No matter what dental problem you’re facing, their highly qualified and courteous professionals are here to help bring back your smile.
