How long does bleeding last after wisdom tooth extraction?
Slight bleeding is normal during the first few hours. Biting on a gauze pad helps to stop the bleeding. If bleeding continues for more than 24 hours or is heavy, the situation should be checked. Staying calm, resting, and avoiding touching or unnecessarily irritating the wound will help control the bleeding.
"Smoking worsens bleeding."
How much pain can you expect after wisdom tooth removal?
Pain is individual, but typically the pain is most intense during the first three days. The pain may feel like pressure and throbbing in the surgical area. If the pain intensifies or persists for a long time, it may indicate a complication such as alveolitis*. If an infection occurs, contact your dentist.
"It is advisable to take painkillers regularly and slightly in advance to keep the pain under better control."
* Alveolitis is an inflammation of the tooth socket that occurs when a blood clot is missing or dislodged too early after tooth extraction. When there is no clot and the bone is exposed, the extraction socket becomes easily infected.
Swelling after wisdom tooth removal – what is normal and when to seek treatment
Mild swelling is common after wisdom tooth removal, but sometimes it can be a sign of infection, e.g., pericoronitis. Swelling may appear on the cheek, oral mucosa, or even in the neck area, and may be associated with pain, fever, and difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing.
Common causes of swelling caused by wisdom teeth:
- Pericoronitis: the gum around the tooth becomes inflamed, swollen, and is often painful. Symptoms may include bad breath and pus discharge.
- Tooth erupting in the wrong position: pressure on the adjacent tooth or gum can irritate the tissues and trigger inflammation.
- Packed tooth: even if the tooth is not visible, the gum around it can still become inflamed and swollen.
When to see a dentist?
If the swelling is severe or accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, or difficulty opening your mouth, seek treatment immediately. Also, mild symptoms that persist for several days should be examined.
You should not monitor the swelling on your own, as an untreated infection can progress rapidly and increase the risk of complications.
Regular dental check-ups and careful oral hygiene are the best way to prevent problems related to wisdom teeth.
What do I do if the bleeding continues for a long time or the pain intensifies?
Contact your dentist immediately if the bleeding is heavy and does not stop, or if the pain intensifies significantly after three days. These may be signs of complications that require professional assessment and treatment.