Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Dissolve?

If you are getting your wisdom teeth removed, you will likely have some questions about what to expect following your procedure. Namely, what do you need to do to care for your incisions so that they heal properly and do not become infected.

Thankfully, caring for your mouth after extraction is easy as long as you follow your dentist’s instructions. Here’s what you need to know about successful recovery from wisdom tooth removal.

Caring For Stitches

When your wisdom teeth are removed, your dentist will close the incision areas with two stitches to help stop any bleeding and keep bacteria and other matter out. These stitches are usually dissolving, so they do not need to be removed by your dentist. They typically only last a few days but could take up to a week or so to completely disintegrate. They are safe to swallow, so there’s no need to worry about accidentally ingesting a piece.

Never try to pull your stitches out even if you feel a loose piece. If you have any concerns about your stitches, speak to your dentist for assistance.

Caring For Your Incision

Though your stitches are helping heal the socket left behind following the extraction, you should also be careful with the socket itself. Never drink from a straw following your procedure, as this can dislodge the clot forming in the socket that stops it from bleeding. Furthermore, you should avoid excessively hot foods in the immediate days after your procedure, and only eat soft foods for several days.

After 24 hours, you can rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater.

Should you lose your clot, contact your dentist at once as this can cause a condition called dry socket which is often very painful and can potentially cause an infection. Your dentist will be able to ease the pain and protect the socket from further disruption.

Other Things to Avoid

Following your procedure, you should also avoid the following activities:

• Smoking
• Spitting
• Drinking alcohol
• Strenuous activity or exercise

Remember, the stitches used to suture your incision following wisdom tooth removal are only temporary and should dissolve on their own in several days. If you experience any complications with them, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. With proper care, they will help you heal faster and complication free.

About Dr. Beaty

Dr. Drew Beaty enjoys helping his patients look and feel their best with the help of oral health. He enjoys seeing his patients smile after treatment, and he especially appreciates being able to help them conquer their fear of the dentist.

To schedule your appointment for wisdom tooth extraction, please visit our website or call us today at 253-839-6544.