The American Dental Association recommends you keep gauze over your extraction site for 30 to 45 minutes after surgery. This encourages a blood clot to form and can help prevent dry socket. If you smoke, you may ask for a special oxidized cellulose dental dressing to help prevent dry socket.

Will gauze dislodge blood clot?

You may think changing it more often will help, but actually, removing the gauze too often can dislodge a blood clot and start the bleeding up again. It's normal for most patients to use gauze for several hours following surgery, but having to use gauze the following day, is not normal.

How long do you have to wear gauze after tooth extraction?

The gauze pad placed over the surgical area should be kept in place for about 45 minutes, or until you get something soft to eat/drink, such as a milkshake or smoothie. You may take the gauze out to eat or drink, and then replace it as needed when you are done.