After an extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process.

Following extraction, we will usually apply a moist, folded piece of gauze onto the extraction site and have you bite down on it for 30 minutes. The gauze will apply pressure to the extraction site and allow a blood clot to develop. We will send you home with a small packet of gauze to reapply to the extraction site for another 30 minutes if needed. Make sure to moisten the gauze with clean water prior to reapplication.

If biting down on gauze does not stop bleeding, try moistening a tea bag, folding it in half, placing it on extraction site, and then biting down. The tannic acid in the tea will help to stop the bleeding.

For first 24 hours DO NOT:
- suck on extraction site
- disturb extraction site with your tongue
- smoke
- rinse mouth vigorously
- drink hot liquids
- drink through a straw
- drink alcoholic beverage or mouthwash with alcohol
- clean teeth next to extraction site for rest of the day (But make sure to brush and floss other teeth normally and very gently rinse afterward)

Slight bleeding from the extraction site usually occurs for an additional 24 – 48 hours, so you may want to take that into consideration before going to bed. You may want to change pillowcases or cover your bedding to prevent blood from staining furniture or linens.

After 24 hours of healing you may gently rinse with warm saltwater, but be very careful as to not dislodge the blood clot. Try to eat soft foods, drink lots of liquids

IF BLOOD CLOT DOES NOT FORM after 24 – 48 hours or blood clot develops and then becomes dislodged, you may end up with what is called a dry socket (osteitis). Dry socket is a very painful condition. You should call us here at the office immediately if you suspect a dry socket is developing. We will place a medicated dressing into the tooth socket to promote healing and blood clot formation, as well as, get you out of pain.