Start practicing

Oral Surgery · single question

The patient calls the next day saying they are still 'oozing' from the extraction site. What do you do?

  1. Schedule for a re-evaluation
  2. Tell them it's normal and do nothing
  3. Prescribe systemic antibiotics
  4. Send to emergency room immediately
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Schedule for a re-evaluation

  • A. If a patient calls the next day with slow oozing (not heavy bleeding) from the extraction site, the appropriate response is to schedule them for an IN-PERSON RE-EVALUATION. 'Oozing' vs. 'bleeding' is an important distinction — oozing is expected for the first 24-48 hours. However, seeing the patient allows assessment of clot status, socket health, and whether additional intervention (gauze pressure, hemostatic agent) is needed.
  • B. While some oozing is normal, dismissing a patient's concern without evaluation is not appropriate — the patient should be seen to rule out complications.
  • C. Antibiotics have no role in managing post-extraction oozing — they treat infection, not hemostasis.
  • D. Oozing (vs. arterial bleeding) the day after extraction does not warrant emergency room referral — re-evaluation in the dental office is the appropriate first step.

Practice Oral Surgery questions Oral Surgery study notes

More Oral Surgery practice questions