The removal of wisdom teeth often requires sutures, commonly known as stitches, to help the surgical sites heal properly. These threads close the incision made in the gum tissue to access the impacted third molars. Understanding the appearance and purpose of these sutures can provide reassurance and help guide post-operative care.
Appearance and Types of Wisdom Teeth Sutures
When you look into your mouth, the sutures typically appear as small, dark loops of thread situated at the edges of the gum incision. They may be black, blue, or sometimes a lighter color, depending on the material used by the oral surgeon. The thread is thin and often tied off with a small knot near the extraction site, which can be felt with the tongue.
Oral surgeons primarily use two categories of sutures: absorbable and non-absorbable. Absorbable stitches are the most common choice, made from materials such as polyglycolic acid or treated animal proteins. These materials are designed to be broken down by the body’s natural processes, eliminating the need for a follow-up removal appointment.
Non-absorbable sutures, made from materials like silk or nylon, are sometimes used when greater tissue stability is required. These materials are stronger and do not dissolve, which means they must be manually removed by the dental team. The surgeon selects the material based on the complexity of the extraction and the specific healing properties desired.
The Healing Role of Stitches
The primary function of sutures is to pull the separated gum tissue edges back together, closing the wound over the extraction socket. By bringing the tissue together, the stitches reduce the size of the open wound, protecting the underlying bone and soft tissues. This immediate closure minimizes post-operative bleeding and helps prevent food particles and bacteria from entering the surgical site.
The sutures play a direct role in stabilizing the blood clot that forms within the empty tooth socket. This clot is the foundation for new bone and gum tissue to grow into. If the clot is dislodged prematurely, a painful condition known as dry socket can occur. Stitches secure the clot in place during the first few days, allowing the body time to establish a more stable healing base.
Managing Sutures During Recovery
For patients with absorbable sutures, the threads are designed to lose their tensile strength and begin dissolving over five to ten days. You may notice small, frayed pieces of the material coming loose or falling out entirely as they disintegrate. This is a normal part of the process and indicates that the sutures have completed their task and the gum tissue has started to heal sufficiently.
If non-absorbable sutures were used, you will need to return to the surgeon’s office, typically seven to fourteen days after the procedure, for removal. The removal process is quick and generally painless; the surgeon gently snips the threads and pulls them out. Attempting to remove non-absorbable stitches yourself can disrupt the healing tissue and is strongly discouraged.
Maintaining hygiene around the sutures is essential for infection prevention. For the first 24 hours, avoid touching the area, but after that, gentle oral care is necessary. Use a prescribed or warm saltwater rinse to keep the area clean instead of aggressive brushing directly on the site. When rinsing, simply tilt your head and let the liquid drain out rather than spitting forcefully, which could dislodge the sutures or the underlying blood clot. Avoid chewing directly on the stitches or picking at them, as this can prematurely open the wound.
When to Contact Your Oral Surgeon
While some discomfort and minor swelling are normal after surgery, certain signs related to the sutures or the socket require immediate professional attention. You should contact your oral surgeon if the surgical site begins to bleed heavily and persistently after the first day, especially if a stitch appears to have come out with a rush of blood. The premature loss of a suture before the third or fourth day can leave the clot vulnerable to dislodgement.
Signs of infection localized to the suture site should be reported. These include the visible discharge of pus, increased localized swelling that continues to worsen after day three, or a persistent foul taste that is not relieved by rinsing.
If you experience sudden, severe pain that radiates to your ear or temple and is not managed by prescribed medication, it may indicate a complication like dry socket, which the sutures failed to prevent. These symptoms signal that the healing process has been compromised and require an evaluation.