After wisdom teeth removal, many individuals experience a period of recovery that often involves dissolvable stitches. These specialized sutures play an important role in the healing process by helping to close the extraction site and stabilize gum tissue.
Typical Appearance of Stitches
Following wisdom teeth extraction, dissolvable stitches are visible as small threads or knots in the area where the tooth was removed. Their appearance can vary, often presenting as dark in color, such as black, brown, or even a slightly purple hue, depending on the specific material used. These thread-like sutures are placed to bring the gum tissue edges together, supporting the initial stages of healing. They might appear as small loops or individual knots along the gumline.
As the healing progresses, it is common for the stitches to change in appearance. They might start to curl, fray, or appear less taut. Sometimes, small pieces of the stitch material may become loose or even fall out, which is a normal indication that the dissolution process has begun.
The Dissolving Process and Timeline
Dissolvable stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, are designed to naturally break down within the body over time, eliminating the need for manual removal. These sutures are crafted from materials that the body can safely process, such as natural components like purified sheep or cow intestines (gut sutures and chromic gut) or synthetic polymers like polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polydioxanone (PDO), and polyglactin 910 (Vicryl). The breakdown occurs through biological processes, including enzymatic degradation, where the body’s enzymes digest the material, or hydrolysis, where the material absorbs moisture and weakens.
The timeline for complete dissolution varies based on the specific material and individual healing rates. Gut sutures typically dissolve within 7 to 10 days. Chromic gut sutures, which are treated with chromium salts to extend their lifespan, usually take 10 to 14 days, though complete absorption can extend up to 21 days. Synthetic sutures like Vicryl commonly take 2 to 3 weeks to lose their structural integrity, with full absorption occurring over 60 to 90 days. PGA stitches generally dissolve within one to two weeks, with some types lasting up to three to four weeks.
Recognizing Concerns and Seeking Advice
While some discomfort and minor changes in the appearance of stitches are normal during the healing phase, certain signs warrant contacting an oral surgeon or dentist. Persistent or worsening pain, swelling, or redness around the extraction site can indicate an infection. Other indicators of a potential infection include the presence of pus or unusual fluid discharge from the wound, a persistent bad taste or foul odor in the mouth not resolved by rinsing, or the development of a fever. If symptoms worsen rather than improve over time, professional evaluation is advisable.
Excessive or prolonged bleeding that continues beyond 24 hours after the procedure is also a concern that requires medical attention. If the stitches come out significantly earlier than expected, particularly within the first few days, and the wound appears open or exposed, it is important to contact the dental office to ensure proper healing continues. Additionally, unusual or persistent numbness or tingling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or if the stitches cause significant irritation by rubbing against other tissues, should prompt a call to your dental professional for guidance.