Idea Exchange: Stop oral bleeding after extraction

To stop the bleeding associated with the extraction of deciduous teeth before surgery, place gauze over the empty socket and apply pressure by wrapping the mouth with Vetrap (3M). Use caution not to wrap the tongue in the bandage; it will interfere with lingual perfusion. Usually, by the time the surgery is complete, the bleeding has stopped.

Ashley Sanders, RVTEdenton, N.C.