Do wisdom teeth extractions always involve the use of stitches? Not necessarily; however, if the incisions are deep, the dentist may need dissolvable sutures or stitches to close them up. It is critically important to know how to care for your mouth after the wisdom teeth extraction so that they don’t end up either hanging or falling out.Do wisdom teeth extractions always involve the use of stitches? Not necessarily; however, if the incisions are deep, the dentist may need dissolvable sutures or stitches to close them up. It is critically important to know how to care for your mouth after the wisdom teeth extraction so that they don’t end up either hanging or falling out.
Let’s have a look at types and aftercare tips.
Wisdom Teeth Stitches – Types
There are 2 kinds of sutures available; however, their function is not different.
Standard stitches
Regular ones that your oral surgeon removes after 1 week of your surgery.
Dissolvable stitches
It is the choice that most surgeons go for since they disintegrate or dissolve in the mouth. This means that lesser follow-ups and no removal are needed. However, it may take several weeks for the stitches to dissolve.
Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Dissolve or Fall Out – How Long Does It Take?
The healing span of stitches on your wisdom teeth extraction site varies; few may fall out within some weeks, whereas others can take months to dissolve.
The dentists say that sutures should remain affixed in their place for about 10 to 15 days at least and then start dissolving. During this time, you may feel pieces of the suture/stitches used on the wisdom teeth extraction site coming out in small bits. Do not worry; it is a regular dissolution process.
If regular stitches are used, then you must not miss a follow-up session to get them out. Under some circumstances, the stitches around your wisdom teeth extraction area may start coming out, irritating the nearby tissues of the oral cavity; in that case, do not attempt to pluck it out on your own. Immediately seek a dentist’s help to minimize any risk of infection.
Dry Socket Complication With Stitches
This procedure has certain risks, including developing a dry socket after wisdom teeth extraction, even with stitches. Mostly, they emerge in 1 of 10 extractions.
A dry socket in the wisdom tooth extraction site is not something that can be quickly taken care of.
Some reasons for a dry socket formation are:
- Wisdom teeth stitches falling out to create a hole.
- Wisdom teeth stitches infected due to poor aftercare.
- Improper or absence of blood clot formation.
How will you know if there is a dry socket on the extraction site? The indicator is a throbbing pain that will be too much to handle. Therefore, following aftercare instructions is a must.
After Care Instructions
Be extra careful and gently deal with your surgical site. Meticulously rinse your oral cavity with salt water solution or any prescription mouthwash to ease the pain. Do not try brushing directly over your stitches until the oral surgeon gives it a green signal.
Moreover, do not disturb the blood clot at any cost. It will form under the stitches and is critical for the normal healing process.
Steer clear of flossing as well for at least 3 to 5 days on the extraction site. Ensure that you follow every command of your dentist to avoid scab displacement, dry socket formation, or infection.
Conclusion
Stay in touch with your surgeon at all times and notify in case of deviation or extreme pain. In case you want to know more about dental troubles, contact Perio Health.