When to Stop Using Gauze After Tooth Extraction & Other Common Queries

When you go for a tooth extraction, your dentist advises you to put gauze on the wound.

The gauze stops the bleeding and aids in healing.

Here, we discuss how long you should keep the gauze and when it is safe to remove it.

Why is gauze used after extraction?

Gauze is a soft and absorbent material placed at the site of a wound to stop bleeding.

It is placed at an extraction site to arrest bleeding and encourage clot formation.

When you bite down on gauze, you put pressure on the extraction site, slowing the bleeding.

The pressure also helps clot formation, protecting the exposed bone and tissues and speeding up healing.

The duration for which you need to keep the gauze in place depends on some factors:

• Bleeding rate: Different individuals heal differently. If you are experiencing profuse bleeding even after a few hours of the dental extraction, it might be advisable to keep the gauze on.
• Type of extraction: An impacted wisdom tooth extraction might bleed more profusely than extraction of other teeth.
• Individual factors: Certain health conditions and medications can result in more bleeding than usual. Lifestyle factors like smoking can also result in a longer healing process.

When should I stop using gauze after tooth extraction?

Dentists usually advise keeping the gauze on for 15-30 minutes after getting a tooth extraction.

Ideally, you should bite down on it to encourage blood clotting.

Clotting is necessary to stop the bleeding and heal the wound.

Usually, the gauze is removed after the bleeding subsides.

However, sometimes, you might be advised to keep the gauze on for up to 24 hours.

Here are some signs that indicate that it is time to stop using the gauze:

• Minimal bleeding: You will notice that the bleeding has subsided, and the oozing has significantly reduced. This means the blood clot has been formed and safely lodged in the wound.
• Significant improvement in pain: You will notice that the pain and discomfort have subsided and are not as severe as before.

When should I keep the gauze on after tooth extraction?

While you now know when to safely remove the gauze, you should also know when to keep it on for longer.

Here are a few instances where you should keep the gauze on for longer:

• Several physiological and pathological conditions affect bleeding and clotting time if you are still bleeding. Diseases like anemia or hemophilia might prolong clot formation. If you notice that you are still bleeding after 1 hour of surgery, replace your used gauze pad with a clean one and monitor the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t stop 4 hours post-surgery, contact your dentist.
• If you have a dry socket: A dry socket, also called alveolar osteitis, is a common complication following tooth extraction. It happens when the blood clot doesn’t form properly over the wound, exposing the underlying bones and nerves. This is an extremely painful condition that, if left untreated, can result in infection of the wound and underlying tissues. Some signs of dry socket are pain at the site of the wound, a foul taste in the mouth, and bad breath. If you notice these signs, make sure to contact your dentist immediately. If you have a dry socket, you should keep the gauze on longer and be prescribed medications to manage the condition.

Why shouldn’t I use gauze indefinitely?

Prolonged usage of the gauze can delay the healing of the wound.

The gauze can create a damp environment around the wound, leading to microbial growth.

Also, gauze can adhere to the wound bed, causing pain and disrupting healing.

When removed, it can strip away delicate new tissue, hindering recovery.

Instead of using gauze indefinitely, here are a few other remedies to aid in healing:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Take rest for at least two days after surgery. Stick to a soft diet such as pasta, yogurt, and applesauce to avoid putting pressure on the wound.

The Takeaway

While gauze is vital for controlling bleeding after an extraction, knowing when it can be safely removed is essential.

Signs such as reduced bleeding, clot formation, and several hours of minimal blood loss indicate that the gauze can be discarded.

However, if you experience excessive bleeding or a dry socket, continue using gauze and consult your dentist promptly.

If you are looking for a dental clinic in Calgary to treat a carious tooth or for wisdom tooth extraction, you have come to the right place.

At Galaxy Dental, our skilled team of professionals is dedicated to providing prompt dental care at an affordable price.