Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure involving the removal of a tooth from its socket. After an extraction, dentists often use stitches, also known as sutures, to assist in the healing process. These stitches help manage the extraction site and promote recovery.
Purpose of Stitches
Stitches help the surrounding tissues heal properly after a tooth extraction. They control bleeding by closing off blood vessels at the extraction site, which helps reduce excessive blood loss and promotes the formation of a stable blood clot. This clot is important for healing, providing a protective barrier over the underlying bone and nerve endings.
Stitches also align the edges of the extraction site, leading to faster healing. By holding gum tissue together, sutures minimize the risk of food particles and bacteria entering the wound, preventing infection. This closure also supports the blood clot, reducing the likelihood of a dry socket, a painful condition where the clot dislodges prematurely.
Types of Stitches and Their Fate
After a tooth extraction, dentists typically use two types of stitches: absorbable (dissolvable) or non-absorbable (non-dissolvable) sutures. Absorbable stitches break down and dissolve in the mouth over time, eliminating the need for manual removal. They are made from materials like polyglycolic acid, catgut, or polylactic acid, and disintegrate as the wound heals.
The dissolving process for absorbable stitches begins within a few days to a week after the procedure. Complete dissolution can take from 7 to 10 days, or up to a few weeks, depending on the material and individual healing rates. Factors such as saliva exposure, the complexity of the extraction, and the patient’s individual healing response influence this timeline. For instance, simpler extractions might use faster-dissolving stitches.
Non-absorbable stitches, made from materials like nylon, silk, or polyester, do not dissolve on their own. These sutures are used when longer-term support is needed or for more extensive surgical procedures. If non-absorbable stitches are used, they will need to be removed by the dentist, typically within 7 to 10 days after the extraction, though sometimes they may remain for up to 14 days. Your dental professional will inform you about the type of stitches used and if a follow-up appointment is needed for removal.
Post-Extraction Care for Stitches
Proper care of the extraction site and stitches is important for promoting healing and preventing complications. Gentle oral hygiene practices are generally recommended; after the initial 24 hours, you can begin rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water. It is important to tilt your head to let the water fall out rather than swishing or spitting vigorously, as this could dislodge the protective blood clot or stitches.
Regarding diet, consuming soft foods like yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes is advisable to avoid irritating the healing area and stitches. Avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods can help prevent damage to the stitches and the underlying clot. Also, certain activities should be avoided, including smoking, drinking through a straw, and vigorous rinsing or spitting, as these actions can create negative pressure in the mouth that might dislodge the blood clot.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While some discomfort and swelling are expected after a tooth extraction, certain signs require professional dental advice. Persistent or worsening severe pain that does not improve with medication, especially if it radiates towards the ear, should prompt a call to your dentist. Increased or excessive bleeding that does not stop after a few hours is also a concern.
Swelling that worsens after the third day post-procedure, rather than subsiding, or any significant swelling that interferes with breathing, requires immediate attention. Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, pus discharge from the extraction site, or a foul taste or odor in the mouth, also warrant contacting your dentist. If a stitch comes out prematurely and causes bleeding or pain, or if you have concerns about the healing process, it is advisable to reach out to your dental professional.