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When to Stop Using Gauze After a Tooth Extraction

Posted on December 10th, 2022

You may have been told to bite down on a piece of gauze after having a tooth extracted. That is because biting down on the gauze helps slow the bleeding. However, there may come a time when you no longer need to use gauze after your tooth extraction. 

This blog post will discuss when it is appropriate to stop using gauze after your tooth extraction and how to use it. Keep reading to learn more!

How to Use Gauze After a Tooth Extraction

Gauze is typically used after a tooth extraction to help stop the bleeding. You may need to change the gauze periodically to ensure it absorbs the blood. Here’s a brief step-by-step guide on how to use it:

  1. After your tooth extraction, the dentist will place a gauze pad over the extraction site and have you bite down on it.
  2. The gauze pad will help to stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the extraction site.
  3. Once the bleeding has stopped, you can remove the gauze pad.
  4. If the bleeding continues, you can replace the gauze pad and bite down on it again.
  5. Once the bleeding has stopped, you should no longer need to use gauze.

When to Stop Using Gauze After a Tooth Extraction?

In most cases, you will only need to use gauze for 45 minutes to two hours after tooth extraction. And that depends on whether or not the bleeding from your tooth extraction has stopped. 

If it’s still bleeding, consider changing the gauze, and continue using it. However, if the bleeding is heavy or if you have a dry socket, you may need to use gauze for a little longer than the norm.

If you are unsure when to stop using gauze, it is best to ask your dentist for advice. They will be able to tell you how long you should use gauze based on your situation.

Are You in Need of a Tooth Extraction in the Chicago Area?

If you need a tooth extraction, Windy City Family Dental can help! We are a family-friendly dental practice that specializes in all aspects of dentistry. 

Contact us today at 312-236-8065 to schedule an appointment! We look forward to helping you achieve optimum oral health!

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Let me preface that I hate going to the dentist...but not Windy City Family Dental! The staff is insanely friendly and patient. The facility is nice inside. What makes this place great is the people. Everyone from the front office staff to the hygienists to the dentists is awesome. Highly recommend going here!

Nick B

Everything about this Dental Center is welcoming! It looks and feels so nice from the moment you walk in. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure you feel great. They are all caring and there for you. These professionals know what they are doing!!!

Greg E.

The Staff at Windy City Family Dental are excellent in both general and cosmetic dentistry. They are honest and sincere with NO pushy sales and will sincerely discuss pricing without being condescending. Integrity is hard to find these day, thanks to you and your team.

Valerie G.

Charming and professional office!! Makes visiting a dentist enjoyable!! My smile thanks them all!

Elizabeth B.

Fantastic customer service. This is the best experience at a dentist that I have ever had. Dr. Neal really took her time and made me comfortable and explained everything. The staff was very helpful and friendly too. Very professional

Darcy R

"Dr. Neal and Dr. Nedvetsky are fantastic! This office is very professional, they take lots of time, and are very customer service oriented. I cant say enough good things about these guys and their staff.

Jason S

Let me preface that I hate going to the dentist...but not Windy City Family Dental! The staff is insanely friendly and patient. The facility is nice inside. What makes this place great is the people. Everyone from the front office staff to the hygienists to the dentists is awesome. Highly recommend going here!

Nick B