Wisdom tooth removal is a common surgical procedure, and some bleeding afterward is entirely normal. The extraction disrupts blood vessels and soft tissue, causing the body to immediately begin hemostasis—the natural process of forming a protective clot. A small amount of blood loss is an expected part of this initial healing stage.
The Difference Between Bleeding and Oozing
It is important to distinguish between active bleeding and the more common “oozing” that patients experience. Oozing is characterized by saliva that appears pink, red, or slightly brown because it is mixed with a small amount of blood from the surgical site. This light, passive flow is generally expected to continue for the first 12 to 24 hours after the procedure.
Active or heavy bleeding, in contrast, is a steady flow of bright red blood that consistently fills the mouth or rapidly soaks through gauze pads. The goal of the initial healing phase is the formation of a stable, dark red blood clot within the empty tooth socket. This clot acts as a natural bandage, protecting the underlying bone. If the flow is mostly tinted saliva and not a persistent stream of blood, the process is progressing normally.
How to Control Bleeding at Home
The primary method for controlling expected post-operative bleeding is applying continuous, firm pressure to the surgical site. Fold a clean piece of gauze into a thick pad and place it directly over the extraction socket. Bite down with steady, gentle pressure for 30 to 45 minutes without interruption to aid in clotting. If the gauze remains saturated after this time, replace it with a fresh pad and repeat the pressure application for another 30 minutes.
Avoid actions that create suction or turbulence in the mouth, which can dislodge the newly formed blood clot. This includes spitting, drinking through a straw, or vigorously rinsing the mouth for the first 24 to 48 hours. Keeping your head elevated with extra pillows when resting also helps slow the bleeding by reducing blood pressure to the head.
If standard gauze pressure does not slow the oozing, a moistened black tea bag can be used. Black tea contains tannic acid, a natural astringent that promotes clotting by causing local blood vessels to constrict. Dampen the tea bag with cool water, squeeze out the excess liquid, and bite down firmly over the extraction site for about 30 minutes.
When Bleeding Signals a Problem
While some bleeding is anticipated, certain signs indicate that the blood loss is excessive and requires immediate attention from your oral surgeon. Bleeding is considered problematic if it is bright red and heavy enough to completely soak through a gauze pad within 15 to 20 minutes, even after applying sustained pressure. Continued active bleeding that lasts beyond 24 hours, or certainly 48 hours, despite attempts to control it at home, should prompt a call to your provider.
Look for accompanying symptoms that may signal a complication. Contact your surgeon if you develop a fever, experience severe pain that is not managed by prescribed medication, or notice an increase in swelling after the first 72 hours. A sudden re-start of heavy bleeding after it had previously stopped completely is also a warning sign. These symptoms suggest that the blood clot may be unstable or that another issue is interfering with the normal healing process.