A tooth extraction involves removing a tooth from its bony socket. The use of stitches, also called sutures, is not standard for every extraction. The need for stitches depends on the procedure’s nature and complexity, influencing how the site heals. Understanding this variation can help patients prepare for recovery.
Reasons for Stitches After Extraction
Stitches are often placed after complex tooth extractions. This includes impacted teeth, like wisdom teeth embedded in the jawbone, or teeth fractured below the gum line. Such procedures may require an incision in the gum tissue or removal of bone to access the tooth.
The primary purpose of sutures is to bring together the gum tissue edges, stabilizing the wound and protecting the blood clot that forms in the socket. This blood clot acts as a natural bandage, and its preservation is essential for preventing complications like dry socket, a painful condition where the clot dislodges prematurely.
Stitches also minimize post-extraction bleeding by compressing tissues and promoting clot formation. They reduce the risk of food particles or oral bacteria entering the wound, lowering the potential for infection. By holding gum tissue in its correct anatomical position, stitches facilitate organized healing and help preserve the gum’s natural contour. Dentists use either dissolvable stitches, which the body absorbs, or non-dissolvable stitches, which require removal at a follow-up appointment.
When Stitches Are Not Necessary
Not every tooth extraction requires stitches. This is typically the case for simple extractions, involving teeth fully visible in the mouth with a straightforward root structure, allowing removal without extensive surgical intervention. Examples include teeth loosened by periodontal disease or those extracted for orthodontic purposes, where the surrounding gum tissue is largely undisturbed.
In these less complex scenarios, the gum tissue often possesses the natural elasticity and proximity to close sufficiently on its own. The body’s healing mechanisms efficiently form and maintain a stable blood clot within the tooth socket. This blood clot serves as the foundation for new bone and gum tissue to regenerate, effectively sealing the wound and protecting the underlying bone and nerves. The dentist evaluates the wound and surrounding soft tissues to determine if natural healing is adequate without sutures.
What to Expect with Stitches
If stitches are placed after your tooth extraction, you might initially perceive a slight sensation of tightness or a rough texture. Proper aftercare is important for facilitating healing and preventing complications. Dental professionals advise gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water approximately 24 hours after the procedure, avoiding vigorous swishing or forceful spitting that could disrupt the healing site. Maintaining a diet of soft foods for the initial days and refraining from using straws or smoking is recommended, as these activities can dislodge the blood clot or the stitches.
The duration for stitches varies by type. Dissolvable stitches, frequently used in oral surgery, are designed to gradually break down and be absorbed by your body’s natural processes. This dissolution typically occurs within 7 to 10 days, though complete disappearance can extend to two or three weeks based on the material used and your individual healing rate. You may observe small fragments coming away as they dissolve.
Non-dissolvable stitches necessitate removal by your dentist, usually within one to two weeks post-extraction. If you experience unexpected pain, significant swelling, persistent bleeding, or any signs suggestive of infection, such as fever or pus, contact your dentist without delay. If stitches come out prematurely within the first few days, seeking professional advice is prudent, though early loss of dissolvable stitches can sometimes occur without concern.