Ways of Managing Bleeding Following Oral Surgery

Posted on 1/1/2026 by San Tan Oral Surgery

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Congratulations on taking the first step towards a healthier smile! Oral surgery can be a daunting experience, but understanding how to manage post-operative bleeding can help you recover comfortably and quickly.

What to Expect After Oral Surgery

Following oral surgery, it's normal to experience some bleeding from the surgical site. This is because blood vessels have been cut during the procedure. The amount of bleeding varies from person to person and depends on the type of surgery performed.

Managing Bleeding

Here are some tips to manage bleeding after oral surgery:

•	Bite on gauze: Your oral surgeon will provide you with gauze pads to bite on. Apply firm pressure for 30 minutes to an hour after surgery.
•	Change the gauze: Replace the gauze pad every 30 to 45 minutes as needed. As the bleeding slows, the gauze will need changing less frequently.
•	Elevate your head: Keep your head elevated above your heart for the first 24 hours after surgery. This helps reduce swelling and bleeding.
•	Avoid strenuous activity: Avoid strenuous activity for the first few days after surgery. This includes lifting heavy objects, playing sports, or any activity that increases your heart rate.
•	Apply a cold compress: Apply a cold compress to the surgical site for 15-20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and pain.

Bleeding Gums

For most patients, bleeding should subside within a few days. However, if you experience heavy bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop after applying pressure for 30 minutes, contact your oral surgeon immediately.

Oral Care After Surgery

Proper oral care is essential for healing after oral surgery. Follow your oral surgeon's instructions carefully, which may include:

•	Rinsing with salt water: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day, starting the day after surgery. This helps keep the surgical site clean and promotes healing.
•	Avoiding brushing near the surgical site: Avoid brushing or flossing near the surgical site for the first few days. This could irritate the healing tissues.
•	Eating soft foods: Eat soft foods for the first few days after surgery. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the surgical site.

Restoration Dentistry

After your oral surgery has healed, your dentist will discuss restorative options, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, depending on the reason for your surgery. These options will help restore the function and appearance of your smile.

Conclusion

Following oral surgery, managing bleeding is crucial for a comfortable and speedy recovery. By following your oral surgeon's instructions and the tips outlined above, you can minimize bleeding and promote healing. Remember, if you experience any concerns, do not hesitate to contact your oral surgeon.

About
Dr. Cynthia Colson

Dr. Colson grew up in the Metro area, attending Camelback High School and ASU. She graduated from the University of Kentucky Dental School and completed her residency at Long Island Jewish Hospital in Long Island, New York. She also attended an anesthesia fellowship program at the University of Illinois at Chicago and has traveled with Healing The Children, a non-profit organization, to Bucarumanga Columbia treating patients with cleft lip and palate deformities.
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What our patients are saying about us

"Dr. Colson is amazing! She explained everything thoroughly without sounding condescending and gently but directly guides you through the whole procedure. She is excellent and super experienced. I got my wisdom teeth pulled (3 partially impacted and one simply extracted) and aside from asking too many questions under laughing gas before the general anesthesia knocked me out, I got no complications and have had essentially no pain at all." – Ana D.

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Office hours

Mon - Thur: 8am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8am to 2:00pm

Location

3303 S. Lindsay Rd.
Suite 112
Gilbert, AZ 85297

Contact

Office: (480) 604-2592

Connect

Santanxray@gmail.com

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