Oral surgery is a minor surgical field, and complications are very rare. Nevertheless, they do occur and are categorized into intraoperative and postoperative complications. Bleeding from the surgical wound can occur during and after the procedure.

How do we manage them? Below is an outline of the primary methods for controlling hemorrhage, which are divided into local and systemic approaches. This article focuses on local techniques.

Initial Assessment & Patient Evaluation

• Maintain composure and assess the nature of the bleeding: Determine whether it originates from a specific blood vessel or is a diffuse tissue bleeding.
• Evaluate the patient’s systemic health status: Check for underlying conditions that could trigger uncontrolled bleeding and review any medications that might prolong bleeding time.

Hemostatic Methods

• Compression with a gauze pack
• Vessel compression using an instrument
• Cauterization of the site using electrocautery
• Application of bone wax
• Application of oxidized cellulose
• Application of a collagen sponge
• Application of a topical hemostatic gel (e.g., aluminum trichloride)
• Application of tranexamic acid
• Wound suturing
• Atraumatic surgery if possible