dental haemorrhage
Last reviewed 01/2018
GP's should send a claim to their FHSA.
Persistent bleeding from a tooth socket after dental extraction may be due to:
- reactionary haemorrhage - seen after 2-3 hours as the local anaesthetic wears off
- secondary haemorrhage - seen after 48-72 hours, if the clot becomes infected. This is more likely if the previous dental hygiene has been bad.
Check:
- that the bleeding is coming from a tooth socket
- pulse, BP and for signs of shock if the bleeding has been significant - transfusion is sometimes required
- predisposing factors, to be followed up later, include: hypertension drugs such as warfarin or aspirin blood dyscrasia, haemophilia or purpura
ref: N Lawrence et al, HB Emergencies in Gen Pract 2e, 1997