Oral Surgery · single question
After an extraction, the patient is bleeding a lot. What do you do FIRST?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Press with gauze (direct pressure)
- A. Vitamin K takes hours to days to work — it is NOT the immediate first step for acute post-extraction bleeding.
- B. Suturing may be needed if direct pressure fails — but DIRECT PRESSURE is always the first step.
- C. The FIRST and most important step for post-extraction hemorrhage is DIRECT PRESSURE with gauze. Have the patient bite firmly on folded gauze for 30 minutes without peeking. This activates clot formation. If bleeding continues after direct pressure, then proceed to additional measures (hemostatic agents, sutures, topical thrombin, bone wax, refer to oral surgeon).
- D. For routine post-extraction bleeding, direct pressure in the dental office should be attempted first before referral.