When To Stop Using Gauze After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Almost everyone undergoes a wisdom tooth removal at least once in their life. Even if it is painful, it ultimately brings a lot of comfort and soothes tooth pain. However, rather than the extraction surgery being the important part, it’s actually the aftercare routine that stands out the most. From your diet to your oral hygiene habits, everything has to be redone at a slower pace.
Not to mention, depending on how many of your teeth were removed, your dentist might even have given you the instruction to bite down on gauze to stabilize the bleeding. But keeping gauze in your mouth for a long period of time can get incredibly uncomfortable. That is why our patients often ask us when is the best time to stop using gauze after wisdom tooth extraction. If you would like to know more about it as well, make sure to carry on reading this blog.
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When Should You Stop Using Gauze After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Dentists typically claim it safe to stop using gauze an hour or two after wisdom tooth extraction. That is if the bleeding stops completely. Simply take the gauze out of your mouth, be careful not to disturb the blood clot, and throw it away. However, if your extraction site keeps bleeding and the gauze is entirely soaked, switch out the gauze pad for a fresher one every hour or so.
Alternatively, you can also bite down on the extraction site, pressing the gauze onto the area. This can work in your favor as the pressure slows down the blood. But make sure that you do it with extreme gentleness, or it could cause further complications.
When to Keep Gauze in After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
The only time you will need to keep gauze in your mouth for a long period of time is if the bleeding refuses to stop. For some people, it can take longer than an hour or two for the bleeding to halt entirely. The best way to confirm this is by rechecking the extraction site after every hour. Gently lift up the gauze and see whether or not your gums are still bleeding. Moreover, it is best if you keep applying pressure to the gauze by biting down on it, keeping it in place.
Additionally, if the bleeding continues after 4 to 6 hours, call your dentist immediately and let them know. Dr. Ayham Nahhas is a certified dentist who has years of experience dealing with all kinds of tooth extraction cases. Once you let him know, Dr. Nahhas and his team will take all the precautions needed to make sure your gums are back to normal in no time.
They performed an emergency extraction for me, rescuing me from extreme pain from an exposed nerve. They are professional, compassionate, comprehensive and good! Couldn’t ask for better service from an emergency dental visit!
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Closing Words
All in all, the best time to stop using gauze is an hour or two after the wisdom tooth extraction. However, this is only applicable if the bleeding has stopped completely. You need to allow the extraction site to form a blood clot so a dry socket cannot occur. Nevertheless, if you want more insight on wisdom tooth extraction surgeries, reach out to our expert dentists at LifeLine Dental of Houston by dialing (281) 409-3777. We are here to help you, one smile at a time.