Having stitches in your mouth after wisdom teeth removal is a common experience. This article clarifies why sutures are placed, what they look and feel like, how to care for them, and when to contact your dental professional. Understanding these aspects can help you navigate the healing process with confidence.
Why Stitches Are Necessary
Stitches, also known as sutures, are a routine part of wisdom tooth extraction recovery. They bring the gum tissues together, facilitating more organized and efficient healing of the surgical site. By keeping wound edges approximated, stitches promote faster healing of the gum tissue.
Sutures also prevent dry socket (alveolar osteitis). They secure the crucial blood clot in the empty tooth socket, protecting underlying bone and nerves. Dislodgement of this clot can lead to considerable pain. Stitches also manage post-operative bleeding by closing the wound and providing gentle pressure. They act as a physical barrier, shielding the delicate surgical area from food particles and debris, reducing infection risk.
Understanding Stitches’ Appearance and Location
Stitches felt “in your cheek” after wisdom teeth removal are typically in the gum tissue where the tooth was extracted. The surgical site’s proximity to the inner cheek, coupled with swelling, can make it feel as though stitches are directly in your cheek. It is common for the inner cheek mucosa to be stitched to the gum, especially after lower wisdom tooth removal.
There are two types of stitches: dissolvable (resorbable) and non-dissolvable (non-resorbable) sutures. Dissolvable stitches, made from materials like synthetic polymers or catgut, gradually break down and are absorbed by the body. They typically disappear within 7 to 10 days, though some may take up to two weeks or longer. Non-dissolvable stitches, often silk or nylon, remain intact and require removal by your dentist, usually within 5 to 14 days. Stitches are generally small, thread-like, and may come in various colors.
Caring for Your Stitches
Proper care for your stitches and surgical site is important for a smooth recovery and to minimize complications. Maintain gentle oral hygiene; brush teeth carefully, avoiding direct contact with the stitches and extraction area for the first few days. After 24 hours, gentle rinsing with warm salt water helps keep the area clean and reduces infection risk. Let the water fall out of your mouth rather than swishing vigorously or spitting, as this can dislodge the blood clot.
Opt for soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as yogurt, scrambled eggs, or soup, to avoid irritating or dislodging stitches. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can snag or disrupt sutures. Refrain from touching stitches with your fingers or tongue, and avoid using straws, which can create suction and potentially dislodge the blood clot or stitches. Avoid smoking, as it can impede healing. Mild discomfort is expected, and prescribed pain medication can help manage this.
When to Contact Your Dentist
While some discomfort and swelling are normal after wisdom teeth removal, certain signs indicate you should contact your dentist. Persistent or excessive bleeding that does not subside with gentle pressure is concerning. Severe pain not managed by prescribed medication, or pain that worsens instead of improving, warrants immediate attention.
Signs of a possible infection include:
Increased swelling
Spreading redness
Pus or discharge from the extraction site
Fever
A persistent foul taste or odor in your mouth can also signal an infection or dry socket. If non-dissolvable stitches come undone prematurely, or if multiple dissolvable stitches significantly loosen, contact your dental professional for guidance. Difficulty swallowing or breathing are serious symptoms requiring urgent medical evaluation.