Following the surgical removal of wisdom teeth, sutures are used to close the gum tissue over the extraction site. Stitches primarily stabilize the wound edges, which helps control bleeding and protect the underlying blood clot. This clot is necessary for the bone and soft tissue underneath to heal correctly. Sutures encourage a cleaner, faster healing process and reduce the chance of debris entering the socket.
Understanding Sutures: Dissolvable vs. Non-Dissolvable
The determination of when a stitch comes out depends on the type of material the oral surgeon selects. Sutures fall into two main categories: dissolvable and non-dissolvable. Dissolvable, or absorbable, sutures are the most common choice for wisdom tooth extractions because they eliminate the need for a follow-up removal appointment.
These specialized sutures are made from materials like treated animal intestines, known as catgut, or synthetic polymers such as polyglactin and polyglycolic acid. The body’s natural enzymes or the process of hydrolysis gradually breaks down and absorbs the suture material over time. Conversely, non-dissolvable sutures are typically made from stronger, non-absorbable materials like silk or nylon thread. These sutures must be manually removed by a dental professional.
The Expected Timeline for Suture Resolution
The time it takes for dissolvable sutures to resolve is not uniform, but generally falls within a predictable range. Most patients notice their dissolvable stitches starting to fray, loosen, or fall out in small pieces between 7 and 10 days after the surgery. Depending on the specific material used, some sutures may take up to two weeks or slightly longer to disappear completely. The presence of saliva contributes to the breakdown process in the mouth.
Patients with non-dissolvable sutures must return to the surgeon’s office for manual removal. This is typically scheduled around 5 to 7 days post-operation. This timeframe allows the initial wound healing to progress sufficiently while minimizing the risk of the material causing irritation.
What to Monitor and When to Contact Your Dentist
It is normal to see small pieces of dissolvable suture material in the mouth as they begin to break down, which signals that the healing process is progressing. However, contact your dentist if a suture seems to come out much earlier than expected, such as within the first 24 to 48 hours. Premature loss could compromise the underlying blood clot, which is necessary to prevent a complication called dry socket.
You should also watch for any signs of infection localized to the suture site, which requires prompt professional attention. These signs include pus formation, spreading redness around the stitch, or pain that worsens instead of improving after the first few days. If a loose suture begins to irritate or poke the cheek, do not attempt to cut or pull it out yourself, as this can disrupt the healing tissue. Gentle rinsing with warm salt water, as directed by your surgeon, helps keep the area clean and supports healing.