Just had a tooth removed and I was wondering if its normal to bleed for a few ho!
Question:
Just had a tooth removed and I was wondering if its normal to bleed for a few hours?
Like I said, I had my back left molar removed around 12pm today, its now 5pm and after taking the gause out in the first hour and a half it was still bleeding. I changed the second one after another hour and it had almost the same amount of blood as the other one. It's slowing down now. Is it normal for it to bleed for this long?
Also is it normal for it to feel kinda sharp when drinking something? I dunno why but it does. Maybe because I'm not used to it yet?
Answers:
As a dentist I can tell you that minor bleeding or oozing can be expected several hours after tooth extraction. Should your bleeding become worse you may need to call your dentists emergency number to see if he/she thinks they may need to see you for an emergency appointment. Continue to take any prescribed antibiotics and pain medication as directed. To prevent dry socket (clot dislodging from extraction site), stick to the following precautions: 1. Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after the extraction, 2. Avoid any exercise that causes any pressure as this can dislodge the clot, 3. Avoid vigorous salt water rinses until at least 24 hours after the extraction and only then can you try GENTLE warm salt water rinses, and 4. Avoid drinking from a straw for at least 72 hours after extraction. If your pain becomes serious or the extraction site starts to bleed heavily then call your dentist as soon as possible or visit your local ER. Good luck!