Wisdom tooth removal often requires stitches (sutures) to close the gum tissue over the extraction site. These sutures stabilize the wound, control initial bleeding, and prevent food debris from entering the blood clot in the socket. The time it takes for stitches to fall out or be removed depends entirely on the specific material selected by your oral surgeon.
The Two Types of Stitches Used
Oral surgeons use two main categories of sutures: absorbable and non-absorbable. Absorbable sutures are the more frequent choice, made from materials the body naturally breaks down, such as synthetic polymers or purified collagen. These dissolvable stitches are preferred because they eliminate the need for a follow-up appointment solely for their removal.
Non-absorbable sutures, such as silk or nylon, cannot be metabolized by the body. They are sometimes used for more complex extractions requiring greater tissue security. If non-absorbable stitches are used, the patient must return to the dental office to have them manually removed.
Typical Timeline for Dissolving Stitches
For patients receiving absorbable sutures, the dissolving process is gradual. The stitches typically start to loosen and break down between three and ten days after the surgery. This timing is influenced by the specific suture material, the size of the stitch, and the presence of enzymes in the saliva. Small fragments of thread commonly come loose or fall out during gentle rinsing or eating soft foods during the first week. Most absorbable stitches will have fully dissolved or fallen out by the end of the second week, approximately seven to fourteen days post-procedure.
If non-dissolvable sutures were placed, the timeline is set by the surgeon, not by the body’s natural processes. These stitches are usually removed by the dental professional during a brief follow-up visit scheduled for five to ten days after the extraction. Removing these threads is a quick process and is done once the initial healing has progressed enough to secure the gum tissue. Regardless of the type, the sutures have served their purpose once the gum tissue edges have bonded and the underlying blood clot is stable.
Monitoring the Surgical Site and When to Call the Dentist
Observing the surgical site is important for a smooth recovery while the stitches are present and falling out. Seeing a small piece of dark thread on your gauze or in your mouth is a normal sign that the dissolving process is underway. A tiny amount of bleeding when a stitch comes out is generally not a concern, provided it stops quickly.
If a stitch appears to have come out very early, specifically within the first 24 to 48 hours, contact your oral surgeon. While the loss of a single stitch is often not an emergency, early removal can potentially expose the wound before the blood clot is fully stable, increasing the risk of a dry socket. If stitch loss occurs after the initial two-day period, the wound is generally secure enough that the premature loss is inconsequential.
Specific symptoms warrant an immediate call to your dentist or oral surgeon, as they may indicate a complication. These signs include persistent and severe pain that worsens or does not improve after the third day, especially if accompanied by a foul odor or bad taste. Swelling that increases significantly after the third day or the visible discharge of pus from the extraction site are also indicators of a possible infection. Consult your dental provider if bleeding cannot be controlled by biting down on gauze for 30 minutes, or if non-dissolvable stitches are still firmly in place after ten days.