Urgent dental care · Open today
Postoperative Bleeding Management
Some oozing after an extraction or surgery is normal. Bleeding that will not settle with pressure is not. We find where it is coming from, stop it, and make sure the socket is protected before you go home.
Same-day appointments · No registration required · Evenings & weekends
What this treatment is
Bleeding stopped at the source, not just packed
Most bleeding after an extraction stops within a few hours once a clot forms in the socket. When it carries on, the clot has usually failed to form or has been dislodged, or a small vessel in the gum is still open. At your appointment we clean the area, find the source of the bleeding, and close it with a haemostatic dressing placed in the socket, stitches, or both. We also check for anything that makes bleeding more likely, such as blood-thinning medication, so you leave with the right advice for the next few days.
- Seen the same day — persistent bleeding is treated as urgent, and we see you as soon as you call.
- The source closed — a dressing and stitches seal the socket so the bleeding stops and a stable clot can form.
- Clear aftercare — you leave knowing what is normal, what to avoid and when to come straight back.
Signs you need it
Come in today if you have any of these
If bleeding is heavy and will not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure, you feel faint or dizzy, or you are swallowing large amounts of blood, call 999 or go to A&E now.
Bleeding that will not settle
01
Bleeding that carries on after 20 minutes of firm pressure on a folded gauze pad.
Bleeding that has restarted
02
The socket was settled but has started bleeding again hours or days after the extraction.
Large clots in the mouth
03
A dark, jelly-like clot sitting over the socket with fresh bleeding seeping from underneath it.
A mouth full of blood
04
More than a pink tinge in your saliva, with steady fresh red blood filling your mouth.
Bleeding on blood thinners
05
Bleeding that keeps going while taking warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, aspirin or similar.
Bleeding with swelling or pain
06
Bleeding together with increasing pain, swelling or a bad taste, which may point to infection.
What to expect
How the bleeding is stopped
Assessment
STEP 01
We review your medical history and medication, look at the socket and find where the bleeding is coming from.
Cleaning the socket
STEP 02
The area is numbed, the loose clot is gently cleared and the socket is rinsed so we can see the source clearly.
Closing the source
STEP 03
A haemostatic dressing is placed in the socket and stitches are added where needed. Firm pressure is applied until the bleeding stops.
Aftercare and review
STEP 04
We check the bleeding has settled before you leave, explain how to protect the clot, and arrange a review if needed.
Price & appointment length
emergency visit, from
The fee covers the assessment, local anaesthetic, cleaning the socket, haemostatic dressing and stitches. If anything further is needed, it is quoted and confirmed with you before we start.
| Appointment length | 30–45 minutes |
| Local anaesthetic | Included |
| Haemostatic dressing | Included |
| Stitches | Included where needed |
| Registration | Not required |
Questions
Before you come in
Worried about how much you are bleeding? Call the practice and describe it, and we will tell you where to go.
How much bleeding is normal?
Oozing and pink-tinged saliva for the first 24 hours is normal. Steady fresh red bleeding that fills your mouth, or that has not slowed after 20 minutes of firm pressure, needs to be seen.
What can I do before my appointment?
Fold a clean gauze pad or a damp tea bag, place it over the socket and bite down firmly for 20 minutes without checking. Sit upright, keep calm and avoid rinsing, spitting or hot drinks.
I take blood thinners. Should I stop them?
No. Do not stop or change any prescribed medication unless your doctor tells you to. Tell us exactly what you take and when your last dose was, and we will manage the bleeding with that in mind.
Will I need stitches?
Not always. Many sockets settle with a haemostatic dressing and pressure alone. Stitches are added where the gum needs closing to hold the dressing and the clot in place.
How do I stop it happening again?
For 24 hours avoid rinsing, spitting, smoking, alcohol, hot drinks and strenuous exercise, and chew on the other side. These all disturb the clot that is protecting the socket.
In pain today?
Call the clinic or book online. New patients are welcome, and no registration is required.