Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery that often involves the use of stitches to aid in the healing process. Stitches, also known as sutures, are a standard part of post-operative care. A frequent concern for patients is understanding how these stitches behave and when they will naturally disappear. This guide explains what to expect regarding stitch dissolution and care.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth Stitches
After a wisdom tooth extraction, stitches are placed to close the incision and stabilize the gum tissue. Their main purpose is to help control bleeding by applying pressure to the wound edges, which promotes faster blood clot formation. Stitches also prevent food particles and bacteria from entering the extraction site, thereby reducing the risk of infection. By holding the gum tissue together, sutures support proper alignment and facilitate the initial stages of wound healing, ensuring the underlying bone and nerves are protected.
There are two primary types of stitches used in oral surgery: dissolvable (resorbable) and non-dissolvable (non-resorbable). Most wisdom teeth extractions utilize dissolvable stitches, made from synthetic polymers or natural materials like purified gut. These materials are designed to break down and be absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for a follow-up appointment for removal.
Non-dissolvable stitches, made of silk or nylon, are less common for wisdom tooth procedures and require manual removal by a dentist, usually 7 to 14 days after surgery.
How Long Stitches Take to Dissolve
The timeframe for dissolvable stitches to disappear varies based on the material, extraction extent, stitch size, and individual healing rate. Dissolvable stitches used after wisdom tooth removal begin to loosen and break down within 3 to 10 days. Complete dissolution can take 7 to 14 days, or up to 2 to 3 weeks.
Specific materials have different dissolution rates. Gut sutures dissolve within 7 to 10 days, while chromic gut sutures, treated to prolong their strength, may take 10 to 14 days. Synthetic polymers dissolve within 2 to 3 weeks. Saliva enzymes in the mouth also play a role in breaking down these stitches.
Small pieces of the stitches may come out as they dissolve, and some may fall out before fully disintegrating. This should not cause bleeding or pain.
Caring for Your Stitches and What to Expect
Proper care of your stitches is important for a smooth recovery and to prevent complications. For the first 24 hours after surgery, avoid rinsing or spitting to protect the newly formed blood clot.
Starting on day two, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in warm water) after meals and before bed. This helps keep the surgical site clean and free of food debris.
When brushing your teeth, be gentle around the extraction area and use a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding direct contact with the stitches for 3 to 7 days. Avoid disturbing the stitches by not poking them with your tongue or fingers.
Stick to a soft diet for the first few days, avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate the site or dislodge the stitches.
Do not use straws or smoke, as the suction can dislodge the blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
As the stitches dissolve, you may notice them feeling loose or see small white or clear pieces coming out of your mouth. This is a normal part of the process. This should not cause bleeding or pain.
Contact your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience excessive pain, increased swelling, persistent bleeding, a bad taste in your mouth not resolved by rinsing, pus discharge from the site, or a fever, as these could be signs of an infection. Additionally, if non-dissolvable stitches were used and they are not removed within the expected timeframe, or if dissolvable stitches have not dissolved after an extended period, contact your oral surgeon for guidance.