Slight bleeding 2 days after tooth extraction?

[AhAgain]

Is this normal/ok?

Extraction 48 hours ago. Bottom pre-molar was fine, top pre-molar fractured and required lots of poking, drilling, pulling, time to extract all bits of root. Have noticed that the wound is longer on the top gum (it goes up the side towards the face. No pain since extraction, though, so that is all good (although a little sore if I smile - I think because the wound does go up the gum to my cheek).

Am getting a tiny bit of blood in my saliva. Really not much. Got a little when I (very gently) spat/dribbled the toothpaste out after very carefully brushing my teeth this morning (avoiding the extraction sites). Am still on very soft food and very gently rinsing with salt water after food.

Thoughts?

[bonzo77]

Dentist here.

1. Stop rinsing. Not necessary and will make bleeding worse. Probably your dentist told you to rinse, so don't blame yourself.
   
2. Probably you've disturbed where the gum was cut, possibly with the rinsing. I normally place a stitch if I've cut the gum, though not always.
   
3. Get a lint-free cloth (not cotton wool or tissue) a flannel, clean sock etc dampen it and wring out. Then bite firmly on it for 15 minutes.
   
4. If this doesn't settle it then call the dentist early this afternoon, say by 2.30 as they ought to have a look at it.

[AhAgain]

Thank you very much.

Didn't see any more bleeding, so didn't go to see the dentist. But Wilkes an eye on it for both blood and soreness.

Yes, dentist told me to rinse (teaspoon of salt in glass of water), very gently after food, from 24 hours after the extraction. It is on my printed instructions too. Do you advise against this? Completely or after things have settled a bit more?

Thanks

[bonzo77]

Tend not to advise it at all. Ime people over do it and lose the clot. Anecdotally get far fewer dry sockets this way. I mostly work with elderly often with dementia in care homes with terrible oral hygiene and not much prospect of getting them to rinse. Still no dry sockets. Though admittedly none of them smoke either... Anyway, I digress. If people really want to rinse then I tell them only 1/2 glass of water with 1/2 tsp of salt and not to swish or spit, just to hold over the area then let it run out into the sink without spitting. Starting no sooner than 24 hours after the extraction.

[AhAgain]

Thanks very much bonzo

Will heed your advice. Fortunately I don't smoke :).

Things ok at the moment - if a little achy on and off, but I assume that is natural (but keeping an eye on it).