After wisdom teeth removal, stitches are placed to aid healing. They help close the wound, manage bleeding, promote tissue regeneration, and protect underlying bone and nerves, supporting a smooth recovery.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth Stitches
After wisdom teeth extraction, dental professionals use one of two main types of stitches: dissolvable or non-dissolvable. Dissolvable stitches, or absorbable sutures, are preferred for oral surgeries as they naturally break down and are absorbed by the body. These sutures are often made from materials like polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyglactin 910 (Vicryl), or purified animal collagen (gut sutures). Their self-dissolving nature eliminates the need for a follow-up appointment for removal, simplifying post-operative care. In contrast, non-dissolvable stitches, made from materials such as silk or nylon, do not break down and require a dental professional to remove them, about 7 to 10 days after the procedure.
How Dissolvable Stitches Work and Their Timeline
Dissolvable stitches break down through specific biological processes. Synthetic absorbable sutures, like those made from polyglycolic acid, dissolve via hydrolysis, where water molecules interact with the suture material, causing it to gradually break apart. Natural sutures, such as gut, are broken down by proteolytic enzymatic degradation, meaning the body’s enzymes digest the material.
The timeline for dissolvable stitches varies, generally ranging from a few days to a few weeks. Many dissolvable stitches used after wisdom teeth removal dissolve within 3 to 14 days. For instance, gut sutures dissolve within 7 to 10 days, while chromic gut sutures may take 10 to 14 days. Synthetic materials like polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) can take 2 to 3 weeks or even up to a month to fully dissolve.
Several factors influence how quickly stitches dissolve. The type of material is a primary determinant, as different materials have varying degradation rates. Individual healing rates, the composition of a patient’s saliva, and oral hygiene practices can also affect the dissolution time. The location and size of the stitches, along with the complexity of the extraction, contribute to how fast they break down. As stitches dissolve, patients might notice loose fragments or threads coming out, or a slightly scratchy sensation, which is a normal part of the process.
Essential Care During Healing
Proper care during healing supports stitch dissolution and ensures a smooth recovery. Maintaining gentle oral hygiene is important. For the first 24 hours after surgery, avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting to protect the blood clot that forms in the extraction site. After this initial period, gentle rinsing with warm salt water (a half teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) two to three times a day can help keep the area clean. When brushing, be careful around the surgical site to avoid disturbing the stitches or the healing tissue.
Dietary adjustments are also necessary. For the first few days, stick to soft, non-chewy foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, or lukewarm soups. Foods that are hard, crunchy, spicy, or contain small seeds should be avoided as they can irritate the wound or get lodged in the extraction site. To prevent dislodging the blood clot or stitches, avoid using straws and refrain from smoking, especially for at least a week after surgery. Do not poke the area with your tongue or fingers.
Signs of Complications
While some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding are expected after wisdom teeth removal, certain signs indicate a need to contact your dental professional. Seek immediate attention if you experience excessive bleeding that does not subside after applying firm pressure with gauze for an hour. Severe or worsening pain not controlled by prescribed medication also warrants professional evaluation.
Signs of infection include persistent swelling beyond the first 48-72 hours, a fever greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, or the presence of pus or a foul-tasting discharge from the extraction site. If stitches come out prematurely and this leads to significant bleeding or discomfort, it is important to contact your dentist. Additionally, intense, throbbing pain that radiates to your ear, occurring three to five days after surgery, could indicate a dry socket, which requires professional treatment.