Following wisdom teeth removal, stitches are frequently placed in the gums to aid in the healing process. These sutures are a normal and important part of recovery, designed to help the surgical site close properly and promote healthy tissue regeneration.
Types of Stitches and Their Purpose
After wisdom teeth removal, dental professionals typically use one of two main types of stitches: dissolvable (also known as absorbable) or non-dissolvable (non-resorbable) sutures. Each type serves the primary purpose of bringing the edges of the gum tissue together. This closure helps to stabilize the surgical site, protect the underlying blood clot, and encourage faster healing.
Dissolvable stitches are made from materials that naturally break down and are absorbed by the body over time. These sutures are often preferred because they eliminate the need for a follow-up visit for removal. Non-dissolvable stitches, conversely, are made from materials such as silk or nylon. These provide a more durable hold, requiring a dentist to remove them.
Expected Timeline for Stitch Dissolution or Removal
The timeline for stitches to disappear or be removed varies depending on the type used and individual healing rates. Dissolvable stitches are designed to gradually break down on their own, typically within 7 to 10 days after surgery. However, the complete dissolution process can sometimes extend up to two to three weeks, or even a month, influenced by factors like the specific stitch material, the extent of the extraction, and exposure to saliva.
Non-dissolvable stitches, which do not break down on their own, require removal by a dental professional. This typically occurs within 5 to 7 days post-surgery, though some dentists may recommend removal between 7 to 10 days, or even up to 14 days, to ensure adequate initial healing. It is important to attend the scheduled follow-up appointment for non-dissolvable stitch removal. While these are general guidelines, individual healing can vary, and your oral surgeon will provide specific instructions tailored to your case.
Caring for Your Stitches
Proper care of the surgical site is important while stitches are present to support healing and prevent complications. Gentle oral hygiene practices are recommended, such as rinsing with warm salt water after 24 hours post-surgery. It is important to avoid vigorous swishing or spitting, as this can dislodge the blood clot or stitches. Brushing near the extraction site should be done carefully for the first 3 to 7 days, or as advised by your dentist.
Dietary adjustments are also beneficial; sticking to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup for the first few days helps prevent disruption to the stitches and healing tissue. Actions that create suction in the mouth, such as drinking through a straw or spitting, should be avoided as they can dislodge the blood clot or sutures prematurely. It is normal to feel minor discomfort or notice small pieces of dissolvable stitches coming away as they break down.
Signs Requiring Dental Consultation
While some discomfort and swelling are normal after wisdom teeth removal, certain signs indicate a need for dental consultation. Increasing pain or swelling that worsens instead of improving after a few days can be a sign of infection. The presence of pus or any unusual fluid oozing from the extraction site is a clear indicator of infection. A persistent bad taste in the mouth or foul odor that is not resolved by rinsing may also suggest bacterial activity.
Other symptoms that warrant contacting your dental office include a fever, especially if it exceeds 101°F, or swollen glands. Excessive or continuous bleeding beyond the first 24 hours, or persistent numbness, are also concerns that should be reported. If stitches fall out significantly too early (within the first 48 hours, especially if the wound opens) or if non-dissolvable stitches have not been removed after the expected period, it is important to seek professional advice. It is always advisable to contact your dental provider with any concerns you may have during the healing process.