When you undergo wisdom teeth removal, you should be feeling close to normal within 7 – 10 days after your surgery. At that point, you may be ready to leave the procedure in your past and move forward with your healthier smile — which means you might not like the idea of going back to your oral surgeon to get stitches removed. Do wisdom teeth stitches dissolve on their own? This blog post discusses the answer to that question and provides tips for caring for your stitches.
Wisdom Teeth Stitches Usually Dissolve
In most cases, oral surgeons use stitches that dissolve on their own. The stitches can be made out of various materials. They usually start to disappear within a few weeks, but they can take up to a few months to completely dissolve.
In some instances, an oral surgeon may choose to use more traditional stitches, which do not dissolve on their own. If they are used in your case, expect to have to return to your oral surgeon’s office 7 – 10 days after your surgery to get them removed. That might seem a little inconvenient, but remember that it gives your oral surgery team a chance to check on your recovery.
Caring for Your Stitches
Caring well for your stitches can facilitate a smooth recovery and reduce your risk of bleeding and dry socket (a painful complication wherein the blood clot gets dislodged from a surgical site). Here are some basic best practices for caring for your sutures:
- 24 hours after your surgery, rinse gently with salt water. Do not spit out the solution; let it fall out of your mouth.
- Use any prescribed medications or mouthwashes as recommended by your oral surgeon.
- Do not use a toothbrush or floss at the extraction sites for 3 – 7 days (or as long as your oral surgeon recommends).
- Avoid any foods that might tear or disrupt your stitches. For example, anything hard, crunchy, or extremely chewy should be avoided. Fruits with small seeds, like strawberries, could also pose a threat to your stitches. It would be best to stick to a diet of soft foods, including things like yogurt and smoothies, until your mouth is well-healed.
Dealing with Problems
Some patients find that a stitch comes loose or even falls out altogether. This is only a problem if it results in excess bleeding, discomfort, or infection. Call your oral surgeon right away if you are experiencing significant pain or other serious symptoms at any point during your recovery.
In most cases, wisdom teeth stitches dissolve in the weeks or months after the procedure. They play a role in making your recovery as convenient and easy as possible!
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo and William Shepard are the board-certified oral surgeons at our practice in Katy. They provide comfortable, convenient care in a welcoming environment. If you have questions about wisdom teeth removal or what to expect afterward, our team would be pleased to answer your questions. Contact us at 832-353-1100.