Dental implant placement is often a multistep process, but some patients can receive their new teeth in just one appointment. Just like any other oral surgery, you can expect to spend a little time preparing for the procedure and getting ready for your recovery afterward. Your oral surgeon will give you detailed pre-operative and post-operative instructions to follow, which may include the use of a tea bag or two.
Bleeding After Dental Implant Surgery
It’s perfectly normal to experience slight bleeding after oral surgery. Up to 48 hours afterward, your saliva might look slightly pinkish. Before you leave the dental office, you’ll be asked to bite down gently on a sterile gauze pad, which your dentist will place at the surgical site. Do this for about an hour, or for as long as your dentist recommends. Know that spitting and rinsing can make bleeding worse. Never use a straw after oral surgery, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.
Using Tea Bags to Stop the Bleeding
If the surgical site is still bleeding after you’ve been biting down on the gauze for about an hour, your dentist may recommend that you use a tea bag. There’s no need to actually make a cup of tea. Just moisten the tea bag with a little cool water. Place it over the surgical site and bite down gently until the bleeding stops. Black tea seems to work best to stop the bleeding, as this type contains the most tannins. Tannins are bitter biomolecules that encourage the coagulation of the blood, which will halt bleeding. Tannins also help constrict the blood vessels, which limit blood flow to the area. Additionally, they offer some slight antibacterial benefits, although tea is not a substitute for taking prescribed antibiotics.
Here at University Associates in Dentistry , we pride ourselves on providing exceptional patient education and support. Our dental implant experts in Chicago have made it their life’s work to help our patients enjoy the beauty and functioning of a brand new smile. Get in touch today at (312) 704-5511, and find out how you can become our next success story!
