When can secondary haemorrhage occur after a dental procedure?

Secondary haemorrhage is a relevant concern in dental procedures and can occur days later as a result of various factors. One of the primary causes is vessel erosion, which can happen as the tissues start healing. As the blood vessels undergo changes during inflammation and healing, they may become vulnerable, and if there is an infection present, this can further complicate the healing process, leading to bleeding.

This type of haemorrhage typically does not occur immediately after a procedure, as that would be classified as primary haemorrhage. Secondary haemorrhage can manifest after the initial healing period has begun, particularly when scabs or other tissues that are supposed to protect the wound begin to break down or when infection compromises the integrity of the vascular structures in the affected area.

Additionally, secondary haemorrhage is unrelated to patient reactions to anesthesia, as that is a separate issue primarily concerning acute reactions during or immediately following a procedure rather than the delayed effects of healing. The timeframe for secondary haemorrhage extends beyond the immediate hours or days post-procedure, and it can indeed occur during the first week of recovery but is more specifically characterized by the influence of factors like infection and vessel erosion.