Bleeding & Bruising
What Is Normal?
Some bleeding or blood-tinged saliva is normal for several hours after surgery. You may notice streaks of blood when rinsing or spitting.
If Bleeding Continues
- Moisten a piece of gauze and place it directly over the surgical site.
- Apply gentle but firm pressure for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Remove and check the area.
You may also use a moistened tea bag chilled in ice water. Tea contains tannic acid, which may help stabilize the blood clot. Repeat every 1 to 2 hours as needed.
When to Call Us
Intermittent oozing for several days can be normal. However, if bleeding remains heavy or does not improve after repeated pressure, please contact our office.
Bruising
Bruising and discoloration may appear for 3 to 5 days after surgery. This is a normal response and should gradually fade.
Discomfort & Pain Management
Some soreness, aching, throbbing, and tenderness at the injection sites are normal after surgery.
Medications
If prescription medications were provided, take them exactly as directed. If you take other prescription medications and are unsure about possible interactions, contact the prescribing physician.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) is generally recommended unless you have allergies or medical conditions that prevent its use. Typical dosing:
- 800 mg every 8 hours, or
- 600 mg every 6 hours
Most tablets contain 200 mg or 400 mg, so adjust accordingly.
Alternating With Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)
Acetaminophen can be taken between ibuprofen doses for additional relief. For example:
- 8:00 AM: Ibuprofen
- 11:00 AM: Acetaminophen
- 2:00 PM: Ibuprofen
- 5:00 PM: Acetaminophen
Important Notes
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Use caution when combining medications.
- Ibuprofen may increase the blood-thinning effect of aspirin.
- Naproxen (Aleve®) may be used instead of ibuprofen if preferred.
Swelling
Some swelling is expected and often peaks during the first 48 hours after surgery. Most swelling begins to improve by the third day.
Ice Therapy (First 24 Hours)
Apply a cold pack to the outside of the face:
- 10 to 15 minutes on
- 10 to 15 minutes off
Heat Therapy (Days 2–3)
Apply a warm, moist compress to the outside of the face to help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
Eating & Drinking
Before Eating
Do not eat until the numbness has completely worn off. This helps prevent accidental biting or burning of your lips, cheeks, or tongue.
During the First Week
- Eat soft foods when possible.
- Cut food into small pieces.
- Chew on the side opposite the surgical area.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or small foods, including popcorn, nuts, chips, granola, pretzels, and seeds.
Also Avoid
- Chewing gum
- Vigorous spitting
- Forceful rinsing for the first 3 days
These activities can disturb the blood clot and delay healing.
Oral Hygiene
Brushing
Do not brush the surgical area until instructed. This is usually:
- 3 to 4 days for most procedures
- Up to 2 weeks for some grafting procedures
You may continue brushing and flossing the rest of your mouth normally.
Rinsing
Gentle rinsing is usually safe immediately after surgery using:
- Prescribed mouth rinse
- Warm salt water
- Plain water
Rinse at least 3 times daily, especially after meals.
Important
- Spit gently after rinsing.
- Keeping the area clean helps it heal faster.
- If you received a bone graft, avoid alcohol-containing rinses such as Listerine®. Use a non-alcoholic rinse instead.
Numbness
Rarely, temporary irritation or swelling around a nerve may cause numbness of the lip, chin, teeth, or gums. This usually improves over time and is rarely permanent. Please contact us if numbness persists.
Antibiotics
If prescribed antibiotics:
- Take every dose exactly as directed.
- Complete the full course, even if you begin feeling better.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
Contact Us Immediately If You Experience:
- Severe diarrhea
- Itching
- Rash
- Redness
- Swelling elsewhere on the body
These may be signs of an allergic reaction.
Physical Activity
For the first 2 to 3 days, avoid strenuous activity that increases blood pressure, including:
- Heavy lifting
- Running
- Intense exercise
- Weight training
Increased blood flow can disturb the healing clot and cause renewed bleeding.
For One Week
Avoid contact sports and playing wind instruments. Resume normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable.
Stitches
Some stitches dissolve on their own, while others require removal. It is common for stitches to loosen or unravel after about a week. In most cases, this is harmless and does not affect healing.
Hematoma (Blood Collection Under the Tissue)
Occasionally, blood may collect beneath the gums and cheeks, creating a firm, tender swelling called a hematoma.
Symptoms
- Firm lump
- Pressure or soreness
- Swelling
Treatment
- Warm compresses
- Gentle massage
Most hematomas resolve within 10 to 14 days. Please contact our office if you believe you have developed a hematoma.
Follow-Up Visits
You may be scheduled for a follow-up appointment so we can monitor your healing. Until then:
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Follow oral hygiene instructions carefully
- Contact us with any concerns
Procedure-Specific Instructions
Laser / Periodontal Treatment
- Normal eating and brushing usually resume after 3 to 4 days.
- Begin brushing gently.
- Mild bleeding and tenderness may occur when brushing resumes.
Some patients experience increased tooth sensitivity to cold or air. This can last from a few days to several months and is often a sign that inflammation is resolving.
Soft Tissue Grafts
Soft tissue grafts require extra care. For at least 2 weeks:
- Do not brush or floss the treated area.
- Be very careful when eating.
Follow all additional instructions provided by our office.
Dental Implants
Significant or worsening pain is not normal after implant surgery. Please contact us if you experience:
- Sharp or shooting pain lasting more than 2 to 3 days
- Pain that wakes you from sleep
- Pain not relieved by recommended medications
These symptoms may indicate a healing problem.
Tooth Extractions: Dry Socket
A dry socket is an uncommon complication that usually occurs 3 to 5 days after an extraction. Signs of dry socket include:
- Sudden increase in pain
- Sharp, severe pain
- Pain that becomes worse instead of better
If you experience these symptoms, call our office immediately.
Crown Lengthening
After crown lengthening:
- Food may temporarily collect between the teeth more easily.
- This is expected and temporary.
- A future crown or restoration will typically close these spaces.
Avoid brushing and flossing the area for approximately 3 days, unless instructed otherwise. Keeping the area clean is essential to prevent delays in your restorative treatment.
Sinus Grafting Procedures
For approximately 2 weeks, avoid activities that create pressure changes in the sinuses. Important precautions include:
- Sneeze with your mouth open.
- Avoid blowing your nose forcefully.
- Avoid drinking through straws.
- Avoid flying when possible.
- Minimize heavy lifting.
Some nasal bleeding is normal.
When to Contact Our Office
Please call us if you experience:
- Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe swelling that continues to worsen
- Persistent numbness
- Signs of an allergic reaction
- Severe diarrhea while taking antibiotics
- Sharp or increasing pain after implant placement
- Symptoms of dry socket
- Difficulty breathing, fever, or any unusual concerns
When in doubt, call us. We are always happy to help ensure your recovery stays on track. Contact Leading Edge Specialized Dentistry with any questions about your recovery, and our team will guide you every step of the way.