Pitfalls

Bleeding sockets can occasionally be difficult to manage, when the local anaesthetic wears off after suturing, it is possible for the bleeding to re-occur. Patients therefore should be informed of this, and given instructions on where to report to if this should occur.

Patients with bleeding sockets SHOULD NOT BE ENCOURAGED TO RINSE WITH WATER OR SALINE. This is a common misconception. By doing this, it results in further dislodgement of the blood clot. Patients should restart rinsing again with salty water the next day, after a stable clot has formed, to prevent infection.

It is important to inform patients when using hemocollagen that one of its constituent parts is made of bovine collagen. For some religious groups, as well as vegetarian patients, this may be an issue, and an alternative such as surgicel (oxidised cellulose mesh) may be more appropriate if available.