Bleeding:
- Some oozing is normal.
- You should not be soaking through gauze repeatedly.
Most common cause of continued bleeding is inadequate pressure:
- Make sure the gauze is positioned directly over the site
- Use enough gauze so that your teeth do NOT touch when biting
- Use multiple gauze squares if needed
- Wrap them in a larger piece to maintain pressure
Second most common cause:
- Frequent spitting
- This creates suction and disrupts the clot
Avoid for 1 week:
- Straws
- Smoking
- Forceful spitting
- Aggressive rinsing
Diet:
- Soft foods for 24 hours
- Avoid seeds, popcorn, small particles
- Avoid carbonated beverages for 3 days
Swelling:
- Ice 10 minutes on / 10 minutes off for 24 hours
Rinsing:
- Begin gentle saltwater rinses after 24 hours
- Do not swish aggressively for 4 days
- Dry socket may occur if the clot is disrupted.
- Common causes include smoking, poor clot formation, and early rinsing.
Call us if:
- Bleeding does not improve with firm pressure
- Pain significantly worsens after a few days
FAQ
Is it normal to bleed after an extraction?
Some oozing is normal, but you should not be soaking through gauze repeatedly. Firm pressure directly over the site is usually the key.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket may occur if the clot is disrupted. Smoking, poor clot formation, and early rinsing can increase the risk.
When can I rinse after an extraction?
Begin gentle saltwater rinses after 24 hours, but do not swish aggressively for 4 days.
Last updated: August 2026
Reviewed by Dr. Jeff Muszynski