Glossary term
Gauze
Reference only — not medical advice. See disclaimer.
Loosely woven cotton fabric used for wound dressings, post-extraction haemostatic packing, and various intra-operative purposes. Sterile gauze is supplied in standard sizes (2x2 inch, 4x4 inch). Post-extraction gauze should be replaced when saturated; biting on a fresh gauze pad for 30-60 minutes after dental extraction is the standard haemostatic measure.