What Causes Facial Bruising After Dental Work? & Prevention

Bruising after dental work, also known as dental procedure bruising or dental surgery bruising, happens because blood vessels under your skin get damaged. The blood leaks out, causing facial discoloration after dental treatment and sometimes a hematoma after dental work. This article will explain why this happens and how to help prevent it.

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Why Does Bruising Occur After Dental Procedures?

Bruising after dental work is a common side effect of many procedures. It’s essentially bleeding under the skin, leading to swelling and bruising after dental work. Several factors contribute to why this happens:

The Nature of the Procedure

Certain dental procedures are more likely to cause bruising.

• Extractions: Removing a tooth, especially bruising after wisdom teeth removal, involves manipulating the surrounding tissues. This can damage blood vessels.
• Implants: Placing dental implants requires surgery, which also disrupts blood vessels and soft tissues.
• Root Canals: While less common, root canals can sometimes cause minor bruising, especially if there is pre-existing infection.
• Deep Cleanings: In rare cases, deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) can cause slight bruising if the gums are very inflamed.

The Use of Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is essential for making dental procedures painless, but the injection itself can sometimes cause bruising.

• Needle Trauma: The needle used to inject anesthesia can puncture small blood vessels. This is a common cause of a bruise from dental injection.
• Vasoconstrictors: Some local anesthetics contain vasoconstrictors (like epinephrine). These narrow blood vessels during the procedure to reduce bleeding. When the effect wears off, the blood vessels relax, potentially leading to bleeding into the surrounding tissues.

Individual Factors

Everyone’s body is different, and some people are more prone to bruising than others.

• Age: Older adults tend to bruise more easily because their skin and blood vessels are more fragile.
• Medications: Certain medications, like blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel) and some supplements (fish oil, vitamin E), can increase the risk of bruising.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like bleeding disorders (hemophilia, von Willebrand disease) and low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can make bruising more likely and severe.
• Genetics: Some people simply have a genetic predisposition to bruise more easily.
• Skin Tone: Bruises might appear more prominent on lighter skin tones than darker skin tones.

Surgical Technique

The skill and technique of the dentist can also play a role.

• Trauma to Soft Tissues: Excessive manipulation or pressure on the tissues during the procedure can increase the risk of bruising. Dental trauma bruising can happen if the dentist has to work hard to remove a difficult tooth.
• Inadequate Hemostasis: Failure to properly control bleeding during and after the procedure can lead to hematoma formation and subsequent bruising.

Stages of Bruising & What to Expect

A bruise changes color over time as the body breaks down the blood. Knowing what to expect can help ease your concerns.

Stage	Color	Time Frame	What’s Happening
1	Red/Purple	1-2 days	Blood is fresh under the skin.
2	Blue/Black	Few days	Blood starts to lose oxygen.
3	Green	Around 5-10 days	Hemoglobin breaks down.
4	Yellow/Brown	Around 10-14 days	Bruise is almost healed.
5	Fading to Normal	Several weeks	Skin returns to its normal color.

Preventing Bruising After Dental Work

While some bruising is unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimize it.

Before the Procedure

• Inform Your Dentist: Tell your dentist about all medications, supplements, and medical conditions you have. This is crucial for them to assess your risk.
• Discontinue Blood Thinners (If Possible): If you take blood thinners, talk to your doctor about whether it’s safe to temporarily stop them before the procedure. Never stop taking medication without consulting your doctor.
• Vitamin K: Some people believe that increasing Vitamin K intake before dental work can help with blood clotting. Talk to your dentist or doctor.

During the Procedure

• Gentle Technique: Choose an experienced dentist who uses gentle techniques to minimize trauma to the tissues.
• Proper Hemostasis: Make sure your dentist takes steps to control bleeding during and after the procedure.

After the Procedure

• Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, for the first 24-48 hours. This helps to reduce swelling and bruising.
• Elevation: Keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping, to reduce blood flow to the area.
• Avoid Strenuous Activity: Avoid heavy lifting, exercise, and other strenuous activities for a few days after the procedure. This can increase blood flow to the area and worsen bruising.
• Soft Foods: Eat soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing. This helps to avoid irritating the area and worsening bruising.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Smoking and alcohol can interfere with healing and increase the risk of bruising.
• Arnica Montana: Some people find that taking arnica montana, a homeopathic remedy, helps to reduce bruising and swelling. Talk to your dentist or doctor before taking any new supplements.
• Bromelain: Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that some believe may reduce inflammation and bruising. Talk to your dentist or doctor before taking any new supplements.
• Vitamin C: Some studies show that consuming enough Vitamin C can reduce your chances of bruising and also help to heal bruises faster.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Most bruises after dental work are harmless and resolve on their own. However, there are some situations where you should seek medical attention:

• Excessive Bleeding: If you experience excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure.
• Severe Pain: If you have severe pain that is not relieved by pain medication.
• Signs of Infection: If you develop signs of infection, such as fever, chills, redness, swelling, or pus.
• Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing: If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing. This could indicate a serious complication, such as a hematoma obstructing your airway.
• Vision Changes: If you experience any vision changes.
• Numbness That Persists: Prolonged numbness (longer than a few days) may indicate nerve damage.

Medications and Bruising: A Closer Look

Certain medications significantly increase the risk of causes of post-operative facial bruising. Understanding these interactions is vital.

Medication	How It Increases Bruising Risk
Aspirin	Inhibits platelet aggregation, making it harder for blood to clot.
Warfarin (Coumadin)	Anticoagulant that interferes with the formation of blood clots.
Clopidogrel (Plavix)	Antiplatelet medication that prevents blood clots.
NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)	Can inhibit platelet function, although to a lesser extent than aspirin.
Fish Oil	High doses can thin the blood and interfere with clotting.
Vitamin E	In high doses, can interfere with blood clotting.
Herbal Supplements (Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba)	These supplements can have blood-thinning properties.

It’s crucial to discuss all medications and supplements with your dentist and doctor before any dental procedure.

Nutritional Support for Healing

Proper nutrition can play a supporting role in healing and minimize facial bruising after dental treatment.

• Vitamin C: Essential for collagen production, which is important for tissue repair. Good sources include citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens.
• Vitamin K: Helps with blood clotting. Found in leafy green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli.
• Protein: Important for tissue repair and healing. Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and nuts in your diet.
• Zinc: Supports immune function and wound healing. Found in meat, seafood, nuts, and seeds.

A balanced diet provides the nutrients your body needs to heal properly.

Fathoming Hematomas After Dental Work

A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels. It can occur after dental work due to bleeding into the tissues. It appears as a raised, swollen area and can be quite painful.

• Causes: Hematomas are usually caused by trauma to blood vessels during the procedure.
• Symptoms: Swelling, pain, discoloration, and a palpable lump.
• Treatment: Small hematomas usually resolve on their own with ice packs, elevation, and pain medication. Larger hematomas may require drainage by a dentist or oral surgeon.

If you suspect you have a hematoma, contact your dentist for an evaluation.

Additional Factors Influencing Bruising

Several other factors can influence the severity and duration of bruising after dental work.

• Smoking: Impairs healing and increases the risk of complications.
• Alcohol: Can interfere with blood clotting and prolong bleeding.
• Stress: Stress can weaken the immune system and impair healing.
• Dehydration: Dehydration can make blood thicker and harder to clot.

Taking care of your overall health can help to minimize bruising and promote faster healing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best way to treat a bruise after dental work?
The best way to treat a bruise after dental work is to apply ice packs to the area for the first 24-48 hours, keep your head elevated, and avoid strenuous activity. Over-the-counter pain medication can also help relieve discomfort.

Can I prevent bruising after wisdom teeth removal?
While it’s impossible to completely prevent bruising after wisdom teeth removal, you can minimize it by following your dentist’s instructions, applying ice packs, and avoiding blood thinners.

Who is more likely to experience bruising after dental work?
Older adults, people taking blood thinners, and individuals with bleeding disorders are more likely to experience bruising after dental work.

Can I use heat on a bruise after dental work?
Avoid applying heat to a fresh bruise. Heat can increase blood flow to the area and worsen bruising. After 48 hours, you can apply warm compresses to help break down the blood and speed up healing.

What is the difference between a bruise and a hematoma?
A bruise is a flat discoloration of the skin caused by blood leaking from damaged blood vessels. A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, forming a raised, swollen area.