What is the initial action to take if bleeding occurs after suture removal?

The initial action to take when bleeding occurs after suture removal is to apply direct pressure for 5 minutes. This approach is based on the principle of controlling bleeding by promoting clot formation through the application of pressure to the area.

When bleeding occurs, direct pressure serves to restrict blood flow to the site of bleeding, allowing time for the body's natural hemostatic processes to take over. By maintaining pressure for a sufficient duration, typically around five minutes, it increases the likelihood of stopping the bleeding effectively.

Irrigating the site, whether with cold saline or antiseptic solutions, is not the first step when bleeding is present. While irrigation can be important for cleaning a site after bleeding has been controlled, it does not assist in addressing the immediate concern of bleeding and could even dislodge clots.

Calling the dentist can be necessary if bleeding does not stop or if there are signs of complications, but it is not the immediate action. The priority is to manage the bleeding directly at the source before taking further steps.