You are here looking for the no BS answer to the question: How Long Does It Take for Stitches to Dissolve Wisdom Teeth?
Like any other surgical procedure, wisdom teeth removal requires incision, stitches, rest, and recovery.
However, thanks to the ever-dynamic medical advancements, most dentists and oral surgeons have access to dissolvable materials, including stitches that make procedures more efficient and feasible.
For instance, dissolvable stitches during wisdom teeth removal help attach the cut gum tissues layer back into place, help the incision heal properly, and protect the area from infection.
Still, this doesn’t necessarily mean that stitches are paramount to all oral surgical procedures.
The dentist performing the wisdom teeth extraction process will determine if you need stitches depending on the severity of your condition and the type of removal required.
All in all, dissolvable sutures are ideal after wisdom teeth extraction since they disintegrate on their own.
This masterpiece elucidates more on dissolvable stitches and on how long does it take for stitches to dissolve wisdom teeth.
How Long Does It Take for Stitches to Dissolve Wisdom Teeth?
Dissolvable stitches or sutures consist of compounds that disintegrate on their own inside the body. They come in handy after wisdom tooth extraction since they require minimal care, and it’s not mandatory to follow up with the dentist to have them removed.
As such, these absorbable stitches degrade inside your body and are excreted as waste.
Primarily, it takes a few weeks for dissolvable stitches to be absorbed in the gums. In other instances, it might take up to a month or so for the sutures to dissolve entirely.
Several factors determine how long it takes for sutures to dissolve completely. The type of sutures used plays a critical part in this.
As already outlined, dissolvable stitches are made out of natural substances that our bodies break easily.
Even if your dentist uses synthetic components, they would be glycolic acid, lactic acid copolymer, and polyglycolic acid.
All these materials are easily degradable. Here is a comprehensive look at how different sutures disintegrate at different rates.
- Normal stitches made out of natural material don’t take much time to dissolve and are not visible within a week.
- In the case of chromic got stitches where chromium salt is used takes more time than 12-15 days to disappear. This is because they are a bit tighter than the natural ones.
- However, synthetic stitches made out of glycolic acid or poly-glycolic acid take like a month or more to dissolve.
In addition, other factors such as the size of the stitches, the extent and severity of the tooth extraction procedure can affect the duration of time it takes for stitches to dissolve after wisdom teeth extraction.
In other cases, your dentist might use removable stitches that can’t disintegrate on their own. In such situations, they will schedule an appointment 7-10 days after the surgery to manually extract the stitches.
Is Poking Out of Stitches Normal?
It is a normal phenomenon for the stitches to poke out from the affected area. This is not a matter of concern until you notice.
- Bleeding from the wound
- The wound has opened all over again
- Any signs or symptoms of infection
- Foul taste from the wound
The stitches are supposed to stay in place until the wound heals completely. You must not take the danger of removing them on your own.
In this situation, the effects might be fatal. Pulling them out aggressively might interfere with the healing process and possibly invite bacteria to the damaged area, causing infection.
However, if the fallen-out stitch is irritating you or your inner cheek, you must consult your oral surgeon instead of experimenting with it by yourself.
Does Your Wisdom Teeth Stitches Contain Infection?
Very often, teeth extraction is followed by an infection. The signs that your stitches contain infection are:
- Excessive pain
- Swelling
- Pus release from the stitched area
- Redness
- Irritation in or near the extraction socket.
- Foul taste
- Fever or chills
If you notice such symptoms, immediately consult your surgeon, and the infection can easily be cured with some antibiotics prescribed by him.
Conclusion
Extraction of wisdom teeth is very common among adults. It is used to close the wound that has been caused during the extraction process. And dissolvable stitches are the only type to be used during oral surgery.
Now that you are clear about how long it takes for stitches to dissolve wisdom teeth, we wish the fastest recovery and a happy smile to you!
The stitch readily falls off on its own within 8-9 days. So, you don’t have to visit your surgeon after the surgery.
But, do not try to play with the stitches or remove them until your surgeon has given you this audacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Dissolve or Fall Out?
Yes, in most cases, they fall out or dissolve on their own.
What Do You Do If Your Wisdom Teeth Stitches Come Out?
There is nothing to worry about if your stitches come out; it is very typical until you notice bleeding or any signs of infection near the wound.
Can You Feel Dissolvable Stitches in Your Mouth?
Yes, it can be felt for 1-2 weeks. After that, as it will start dissolving, you won’t be able to recognize it.
Will I Get a Dry Socket If I Have Stitches?
Yes. There is a possibility of getting a dry socket if you have stitches. However, it’s improbable to experience dry sockets if you adhere to home care instructions properly. Stitches falling out or getting infected is the primary cause of having dry sockets.
