(This phrase acts like a noun. It is the direct object of the verb stopped. This phrase is a gerund phrase.) I stopped believing in Santa Claus when my mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked for my autograph. (This phrase acts like a noun. It is the subject of the adverbial clause when my mother took me to see him in a department store.) I stopped believing in Santa Claus when my mother took me to see him in a department store, and he asked for my autograph.  It is the object of the preposition for.)
I recently had a tooth extraction on tooth #31. ...I developed a blood clot that currently has a whitish in color appearance. ...Isn't a dry socket a painful condition caused when you lose your blood clot....
After a tooth extraction, your dentist may place a gauze pack on the extraction site to limit bleeding and confine the blood while clotting takes place. This gauze pack should be left in place for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the dentist's office. Do not chew on the pack.