Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery that often involves the use of stitches to aid the healing process. These stitches help to close the wound, protect the underlying blood clot, and promote proper tissue regeneration. Understanding how these stitches work and what to expect during their dissolution is helpful for a smooth recovery.
Understanding Dissolvable Stitches
Dissolvable stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, are designed to naturally break down within the body over time. These sutures hold the gum tissue together and protect the blood clot that forms in the extraction site, which is important for preventing complications such as dry socket.
Absorbable sutures are made from various natural or synthetic materials. Common natural materials include plain gut and chromic gut. Synthetic materials like polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) are frequently used. These materials dissolve as water molecules in the body gradually break them down. Plain gut sutures, however, are absorbed through enzymatic degradation.
Typical Dissolution Timelines
The time it takes for dissolvable stitches to disappear varies, generally ranging from a few days to several weeks. Many dissolvable stitches used in wisdom teeth removal, such as plain gut sutures, are fully absorbed in about 7 to 10 days. Chromic gut sutures may last 10 to 14 days before fully dissolving. Synthetic sutures like polyglycolic acid (PGA) dissolve within 7 to 14 days, while Vicryl sutures may take 2 to 3 weeks to dissolve completely.
Several factors can influence how quickly stitches dissolve. The specific type and material of the suture are primary determinants. Individual healing rates also play a role. The location of the stitches in the mouth can also affect dissolution; sutures in areas with more movement or high saliva exposure dissolve faster. It is normal for stitches to gradually loosen and fall out in pieces as they dissolve.
After the Stitches Dissolve: Continued Healing
Even after the stitches have dissolved, the healing process of the extraction site continues. The initial blood clot that forms in the socket is important for healing, and over time, this clot is gradually replaced by new gum tissue. The socket will continue to close and fill in with soft tissue and eventually new bone over several weeks to months.
Maintaining good oral hygiene remains important during this ongoing recovery period. Gentle rinsing with salt water after 24 hours post-surgery can help keep the area clean. Patients should continue to follow their oral surgeon’s instructions regarding diet and activity levels. While some discomfort and swelling are normal initially, persistent or worsening pain, increased swelling, foul odor or taste, or pus at the extraction site could indicate a complication like dry socket or infection. If any of these signs develop, contacting a dental professional is important for evaluation.