Oral Surgery · single question
A patient calls the day after extraction saying they are still 'oozing' from the socket. What should you do?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Schedule the patient for re-evaluation at the office
✓ A) Schedule for re-evaluation is correct.
Persistent oozing/bleeding the day after extraction requires clinical evaluation. You need to assess: whether there is a true hemorrhage vs minor oozing, clot status, systemic factors (anticoagulants, bleeding disorders), and whether intervention is needed (repacking, suturing, topical hemostatics). Phone management without examination is inadequate and potentially dangerous. Prescribing antibiotics over the phone is inappropriate — this is a potential bleeding, not infection, emergency.
Persistent oozing/bleeding the day after extraction requires clinical evaluation. You need to assess: whether there is a true hemorrhage vs minor oozing, clot status, systemic factors (anticoagulants, bleeding disorders), and whether intervention is needed (repacking, suturing, topical hemostatics). Phone management without examination is inadequate and potentially dangerous. Prescribing antibiotics over the phone is inappropriate — this is a potential bleeding, not infection, emergency.