Still Bleeding 3 Days After Wisdom Teeth Removal
One of the most common dental procedures is wisdom teeth removal. It is a surgical procedure where the wisdom teeth are extracted to avoid future dental problems such as impaction, gum infection, and crowding of teeth. The procedure is usually done by a dentist or oral surgeon.
After the wisdom teeth removal, it is normal to experience some bleeding, swelling, and pain. The bleeding usually stops after a few hours, but in some cases, it may continue for several days. If you are still bleeding three days after wisdom teeth removal, there may be some underlying issues that you need to address.
What Causes Bleeding After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Bleeding after wisdom teeth removal is normal and is caused by the extraction of the teeth. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with gauze pads to bite down on to help stop the bleeding. However, if the gauze pads are not effective, there may be other reasons for the continued bleeding.
One of the reasons for continued bleeding is a dry socket. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket where the tooth was removed becomes dislodged or dissolves before the wound has healed. This can cause severe pain and bleeding.
Another reason for continued bleeding is an infection. Infections can cause swelling, pain, and bleeding. If you suspect an infection, you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
What Can You Do to Stop the Bleeding?
If you are still bleeding three days after wisdom teeth removal, there are several things you can do to stop the bleeding:
- Bite down on gauze pads: Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with gauze pads to bite down on to help stop the bleeding. Change the gauze pads every 30-45 minutes until the bleeding stops.
- Apply ice packs: Apply ice packs to your cheeks for 10-20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and bleeding.
- Avoid strenuous activity: Avoid any strenuous activity that could increase your heart rate and cause bleeding.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can increase bleeding and slow down the healing process. Avoid them until the bleeding stops.
- Take pain relievers: Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help relieve pain and reduce bleeding.
When Should You Contact Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon?
If you are still bleeding three days after wisdom teeth removal, you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon. They may need to examine your mouth to determine the cause of the bleeding and provide you with additional treatment.
You should also contact your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Swelling that gets worse over time
- Pus or discharge from the extraction site
- Numbness or tingling in your mouth, lips, or tongue
Conclusion
Bleeding after wisdom teeth removal is normal, but if it continues for more than a few days, there may be some underlying issues that need to be addressed. If you are still bleeding three days after wisdom teeth removal, try the above-mentioned remedies to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding persists or you experience any other symptoms, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
