I just had my top, right wisdom tooth extracted this time yesterday (24 hrs ago). When can I stop using gauze to cover the hole? I've canged it several times now. And also, when does the clot in the hole heal? I'm constantly paranoid that I'm going to wash it loose and get dry socket. Thanks for your help!
2007-03-08 04:40:27 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
When it stops bleeding you can remove the gauze.
2007-03-08 04:44:30 · answer #1 · answered by remy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, you really only need to keep pressure on the socket with the gauze for a few hours.
Just remember that these are the no-no's:
1. You must swallow NO SPITTING!!
2. Do not drink through a straw
3. No sodas (the carbonation will dislodge the socket)
4. No HOT foods or drinks (coffee/tea)
5.Eat only soft foods for the first couple of days
6. You CAN now rinse your mouth out with warm salt water (just lightly move your head side to side NO SWISHING and let the water fall out of your mouth NO SPITTING)!!!
***You will know if you get a dry socket (when the blood clot dislodges from the socket)!! It will hurt like crazy and no amount ot pain meds will make the pain go away. You will then have to go back to the dentist/oral surgeon to have them put some special medication in the socket. (I've been told that the process of putting the medicine into the socket does not hurt and just about instantly calms the pain)
2007-03-08 13:04:21 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gauze only needed for a couple of hours after surgery unless a lot of bleeding or your preference. After 24 hours, you shouldn't use gauze because it can actually hinder the healing process. It will take 2-4 weeks for the "hole" to start healing over. Keep the area clean (warm salt water or warm Gatorade rinses) and you will be fine. Upper wisdom teeth don't cause as many problems because gravity works in your favor. Dry sockets are not very common in upper wisdom teeth, so don't worry about it. If you develop any problems, contact the dentist/oral surgeon and get instructions.
2007-03-08 14:41:25 · answer #3 · answered by gigi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can leave the gauze out. I saw someone say to use a wet tea bag, that is only if it is still bleeding. Don't swish out your mouth because it can pull out the clot. Don't eat any rice, grits, oatmeal, or anything else that is small enough to get in the hole. No smoking and no sucking out of a straw, that can also pull out the blood clot. After about a week you can go back to normal eating. Also if it is still bleeding you need to take it easy. No kind of activity because that will make your blood flow easy. Lay down and rest.
2007-03-08 12:59:31 · answer #4 · answered by j girl 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think you can take out the gauze now if you want to. did you have stitches put in? usually thats what they do. it will heal pretty quickly dont worry. just make sure you only eat soft foods for a while, or dont chew on that side. if you have any problems call your dentist. good luck
2007-03-08 12:44:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
didn't they tell you to put a wet tea bag on it? that helps to clot it faster. as long as it is not bleeding you don't need the gauze.
2007-03-08 12:44:52 · answer #6 · answered by Shelly t 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be fine as soon as your gums stop bleeding.
2007-03-08 12:44:59 · answer #7 · answered by Babe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋