Wisdom tooth removal is a routine surgical procedure. During recovery, patients often have questions about the presence of sutures, commonly called stitches, at the surgical site. Sutures are standard in oral surgery, designed to manage the wound and support the initial healing period. Understanding their function and management is key to a smooth recovery.
Why Sutures Are Used After Extraction
Sutures are used to manage the surgical site’s integrity and promote healing. Their main purpose is to gently bring the edges of the gum tissue together. This closure acts as a physical barrier, protecting the underlying bone and the blood clot from mouth bacteria and food debris.
Sutures are common after surgical extractions, especially when the tooth was impacted or required bone removal. By securing the gum tissue, sutures stabilize the blood clot in the socket. This blood clot is essential as it protects the wound and prevents a painful complication known as a dry socket.
In addition to protecting the clot, the physical compression provided by the stitches helps control post-operative bleeding. They seal off small blood vessels, which promotes faster clotting and reduces the risk of excessive blood loss after the procedure. This closure helps the gum tissue heal in the correct alignment, which is important for the long-term health of the surrounding tissue.
Types of Sutures and Their Timelines
The type of suture used dictates the management timeline and whether a follow-up appointment for removal is necessary. The two main categories of sutures used in oral surgery are absorbable and non-absorbable. The choice between them depends on the complexity of the extraction and the surgeon’s preference.
Absorbable sutures are made from materials that naturally break down and are absorbed by the body’s tissues over time. These materials, such as polyglycolic acid, lose their structural integrity as the wound heals, eliminating the need for removal. Dissolution begins within a few days, and the sutures fall out or completely disappear within seven to ten days post-surgery.
Non-absorbable sutures, made from materials like silk or nylon, do not dissolve on their own. They are used for complex cases where the surgical site requires greater, longer-term support. If this type of suture is used, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled for removal, generally occurring five to seven days after the extraction.
Managing the Extraction Site During Healing
Gentle care of the extraction site is necessary while sutures are in place to support healing and prevent complications. Avoid actions that could dislodge the blood clot or prematurely loosen the stitches. This includes refraining from drinking through a straw, spitting forcefully, or smoking for several days.
During the first 24 hours, do not rinse your mouth to allow the blood clot to form undisturbed. After this initial period, you can begin gentle rinsing with a warm salt water solution or a prescribed rinse. The goal of rinsing is to keep the area clean without using vigorous swishing action that could disturb the healing tissue. When brushing, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid direct contact with the extraction site for the first few days.
Dietary adjustments are important while the sutures are in place. Focus on soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate the site, get lodged in the wound, or pull on the stitches.
Recognizing Complications
Contact your dentist immediately if you notice signs of complications or infection. These warning signs include:
- Continuous bleeding lasting more than 24 hours.
- Increasing pain that does not improve after a few days.
- Any discharge of pus.
- A persistent bad taste or fever.
- Swelling that continues to worsen after the third day.