Wisdom teeth extraction is a common oral surgery for issues like pain, infection, or crowding. Stitches are often placed afterward to help the surgical site heal properly. They promote tissue closure and protect the area during recovery. Understanding their duration and what to expect can help manage your healing process.
Understanding Stitches and Their Lifespan
After wisdom teeth removal, dental professionals use two main types of stitches: dissolvable and non-dissolvable. The type used affects their management and duration. Both types secure gum tissue, manage bleeding, and shield the wound from contaminants, helping prevent infection.
Dissolvable stitches are made from materials like gut, polyglycolic acid (PGA), or polylactic acid (PLA). These materials break down naturally within the body, eliminating the need for manual removal. They typically disappear within 5 to 10 days, though some can take up to 2 to 3 weeks. Factors like material, stitch size, and individual healing rates influence this duration.
Non-dissolvable stitches are made from materials like silk or nylon that do not break down. These require a follow-up appointment for manual removal. They are typically removed about 7 to 10 days after extraction, once initial healing has progressed. The exact timing depends on the surgeon’s assessment.
Caring for Your Mouth During Healing
Proper mouth care after wisdom teeth extraction promotes healing and prevents complications while stitches are present. Gentle oral hygiene keeps the surgical site clean without disturbing healing tissues. After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water, avoiding vigorous swishing or spitting, which can dislodge the blood clot and stitches.
Dietary adjustments are beneficial during this initial healing period. Consume soft foods for the first few days to prevent irritation or damage. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods, as these can cause discomfort or dislodge stitches. Follow your dentist’s instructions for pain management, which may include prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
Avoid actions that could disturb the stitches or blood clot. This includes picking at stitches, using straws, or smoking, as these create suction that can impede healing. Continue careful brushing of teeth, but avoid the extraction site directly for about a week or as advised by your dental professional.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Monitor your healing process after wisdom teeth extraction; certain signs indicate you should contact your dental professional. Persistent or worsening pain not relieved by medication could signal a complication, such as a dry socket or infection. While some initial bleeding is normal, excessive or continuous bleeding beyond 24 hours requires attention.
Signs of infection include swelling that worsens after two or three days, pus or unusual discharge from the extraction site, or a foul taste or odor. A fever over 101°F (38.3°C) also indicates infection. Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or numbness that does not subside are reasons to seek immediate dental advice. If non-dissolvable stitches come out too early, or dissolvable stitches do not seem to be breaking down as expected, contact your dentist.