After tooth extraction, a blood clot will form in the empty tooth socket. Clotting is a natural part of the healing process. It protects the wound and promotes healing. Learn more about blood clots after tooth extraction.
What is a Blood Clot?
A blood clot is a protective layer that develops over the underlying bone and nerve endings at the extraction site. It contains red blood cells that promote healing.
What Does a Blood Clot Look Like After Tooth Extraction?
A blood clot looks like a dark-colored scab inside the tooth socket. Do not disturb it as it protects the socket.
Why Does a Blood Clot Occur After a Tooth Extraction?
Clotting is a natural part of the healing process.
After tooth extraction, the dentist will place a piece of gauze over the site and ask you to close your mouth with firm pressure. This helps to slow the bleeding and to promote clotting.
How Long Does it Take For a Blood Clot to Form?
A blood clot will begin forming immediately after the tooth is pulled. Red blood cells called platelets clump together, forming a sticky protein called fibrin. Clotting continues for 24 hours to protect the bone and nerves from infection. The blood clot will remain in the socket and eventually disappear over 7 to 10 days. During healing, the wound is closed with new tissue.
What Happens if a Blood Clot Comes Out After Tooth Extraction?
A condition called dry socket occurs when a forming blood clot falls out of the socket, doesn't form, or dissolves before the wound has time to heal. If you have dry socket, you may experience:
- Throbbing pain at the site and on the side of your face due to exposed nerves and bone.
- Swelling at the site due to irritation.
- A taste of blood due to bleeding from the socket.
Call your dentist if you experience pain after an extraction. They will offer treatment to ease the discomfort and promote proper healing. The dentist may:
- Clean the site and place a medicated dressing in the socket.
- Prescribe acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin) to help ease the pain.
How Can I Protect a Blood Clot After Tooth Extraction?
Here's how to reduce your risk of dry socket and promote healing:
- Avoid drinking through a straw for a week after tooth extraction because the suction force may dislodge the clot.
- Avoid swishing mouthwash in your mouth. Your dentist may give you an antibacterial mouthwash to keep the site clean. Instead of swishing, tilt your head to the side and let the mouthwash sit at the extraction site.
- Do not smoke for at least 48 hours after extraction. Smoking may delay healing by limiting blood supply to the socket.
- Eat soft foods. Avoid foods that are hard, chewy or crunchy as they may disturb the blood clot.
- Continue your regular oral hygiene routine. Keep the site clean to prevent bacterial contamination.
- Follow your dentist's postsurgical instructions.
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