The first night after a tooth extraction is extremely crucial — you will experience soreness, pain, and discomfort. In addition, the extraction site is sensitive due to the open wound, and you have to ensure the bleeding stops so that the proper blood clot can form. Your oral surgeon will instruct you to bite down on the gauze as the pressure helps slow down the bleeding. The blood clot, too, has enough time to form. So, when to stop using gauze after tooth extraction? Learn all about it in this blog!
How To Fold Gauze For Tooth Extraction?
Your dentist will provide you with the gauze, along with instructions on how to use it. Biting into the gauze helps with healthy and safe recovery, which ensures that the blood clot develops. Your dentist may tell you to fold and use the gauze after tooth extraction in the following steps:
- Take 2 to 3 pieces of 2×2 gauze.
- Fold the pieces of gauze in half.
- Once again, fold the gauze.
- Bite down on the gauze for around 20 to 30 minutes in order to apply the required pressure.
- After the specified time has passed, remove the gauze.
- Continue with steps 1 to 5 until the bleeding stops.
When Should I Stop Using Gauze After Tooth Extraction?
You should stop using the gauze after tooth removal when the extraction site stops bleeding, which usually takes around 2 to 3 hours. This is the time it will take for the blood clotting factors to reach the empty socket and put an end to the bleeding.
Make sure to change the gauze every 15 minutes. You’ll notice less and less blood flow after each change, and over time it will reduce to a few spots of blood.
Should I Sleep With Gauze After Tooth Extraction?
No, you should never sleep with gauze in your mouth since it is a potential sleeping hazard. Moreover, make sure you do not fall asleep when lying down with the gauze in your mouth. This is especially true if you are taking medications that can cause drowsiness.
Benefits of Using Gauze Following Tooth Removal
When the dentist extracts your tooth, the open socket will start to bleed. But thanks to the gauze, bleeding stops, and blood clotting factors start working.
Here are a few reasons why gauze is used after tooth extraction:
- Stops Bleeding: Using gauze adds the required pressure to the wound and physically blocks blood flow by obstructing the blood vessel. You do not have to use the gauze once the bleeding stops.
- Ensures Blood Clotting: A gauze ensures that the blood clotting factors work. The gauze, then, makes it possible for the blood clot to form and stay in place. This also helps with better recovery!
What’s Next?
You will need to bite down on gauze after tooth extraction to make sure the bleeding stops and blood clot forms. You can stop using the gauze once the socket starts forming a healthy blood clot.
For any dental issues, dial (281) 837-9090 to talk to our team at Dynamic Dental Solutions. Give us a visit at 1410 Cedar Bayou Rd, Baytown, TX 77520.