Do You Always Get Stitches After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
If you need to say goodbye to your wisdom teeth and are talking to your friends about it, they may tell you different stories about how the procedure will be. However, not all wisdom teeth procedures are the same. While some wisdom tooth removals take just a few minutes, others may involve a bit more precision and, sometimes, even a few stitches. So what’s the deal? Do all extractions involve stitching things up, or is it more of a case-by-case thing? This article will answer your questions regarding whether you need stitches after your treatment.
When Stitches Are Needed After Wisdom Teeth Removal
While stitches are not always part of every wisdom tooth extraction process, there are times when your dentist may decide that they are necessary for healing. Let’s see when stitches after wisdom tooth extraction are needed and what factors influence this decision:
Depth and Size of the Extraction Site: If your wisdom teeth are impacted or your dentist needs to make a larger incision into your gums, they may use stitches to close up the cut to help the wound recover faster.
Bleeding Control: Sometimes, your dentist may decide to use stitches after wisdom tooth extraction to help manage and reduce bleeding immediately after the procedure. Stitches can be especially helpful if the removal procedure is complex and the blood vessels are more affected.
Risk of Infection: If there is a risk of infection, dentists decide to use stitches because this can help protect the wound and prevent bacteria and debris from entering your mouth.
Promoting Gum Healing: Using stitches to align the edges of the gum tissue properly can promote faster healing and support proper gum tissue regeneration.
Check out our detailed guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth for additional information.
When Stitches Are Not Necessary
Not everyone needs stitches after wisdom tooth extraction:
Simple Extractions: If your wisdom tooth is fully erupted and the process of wisdom teeth extraction is simple and not complex, your dentist may not use stitches.
Small Incisions: Sometimes, the incision that your dentist makes during the procedure is so small and can heal on its own and without any stitches.
Personal Healing Factors: Your dentist may not use stitches after wisdom tooth extraction if your overall health and past dental history show that you heal quickly and stitches were not required.
Types of Stitches Used in Dental Surgery
Dentists may typically use two main types of stitches after dental procedures like wisdom tooth surgery: dissolvable stitches and non-dissolvable stitches. The type of stitches that your dentist may decide to use depends on your specific dental needs. Here’s what you need to know about each type:
Dissolvable Stitches
These stitches are made from materials that your body can naturally absorb over time.
Pros
Convenience: There is no need for a follow-up appointment to remove these types of stitches because they dissolve on their own.
Less Discomfort: Dissolvable stitches typically cause less irritation because they do not require pulling or snipping for removal.
Cons
Unpredictable Timing: In some cases, and if healing is slower than expected, dissolvable stitches may dissolve before your wound has fully healed if the healing process is slow.
Non-Dissolvable Stitches
Non-dissolvable stitches are made from materials that do not break down in the body and must be manually removed by your dentist after a certain period.
Pros
Control: Non-dissolvable stitches let your dentist monitor the healing process closely before they decide to remove them.
Durability: Non-dissolvable stitches are stronger and hold the wound together for a longer time.
Cons
Requires Removal: You’ll need to return to your dentist for a quick procedure to have non-dissolvable stitches removed.
Possible Discomfort: Removing non-dissolvable stitches may cause more irritation and discomfort near the wound, especially if it is left in too long.
The Role of Stitches in Healing
Stitches can play an important role in your healing process after dental surgeries, such as wisdom teeth removals. Stitches after wisdom tooth extraction can help your gums heal faster and prevent some complications that may delay your recovery:
Supporting Proper Gum Alignment
Stitches hold the gum tissue in the right position so the edges close properly, which is important for proper healing and for the gums to reattach firmly to the surrounding bone structures.
Minimising the Risk of Infection
Stitches help close the wound after surgery, and this can prevent the underlying bone and nerves from becoming exposed to bacteria and food debris. Therefore, stitches can help lower the risk of infections after wisdom teeth removal, which can complicate the healing process.
Enhancing Tissue Regeneration
Stitches help the gum tissue heal properly and support its natural regeneration. They also help keep space open for new bone to grow where the tooth was removed.
Reducing Bleeding and Encouraging Clot Formation
Stitches can help control bleeding after the procedure and may also be needed to help a stable blood clot form in the socket, which is an important part of healing.
What to Expect If You Get Stitches
If you get stitches after your wisdom teeth removal, it’s good to know what you can expect in the days following your procedure:
Sensations You Might Feel
Tightness or Pulling: You might feel a bit of tightness or pulling near the stitches when you move your mouth. This is a normal part of healing.
Itchiness: As your mouth starts to heal, you may feel a little itchiness, which is a good sign and shows that the tissue is repairing itself.
Managing Discomfort
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, can help you if you are in pain. Please make sure you always follow the dosage recommended by your dentist or pharmacist.
Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress on the cheek near the extraction site can also reduce swelling and numb the discomfort.
Caring for Your Stitches
Keep the Area Clean: You can use a little salt water or a prescribed mouthwash to clean your mouth. Do not rinse your mouth too hard because it may disturb the stitches.
Soft Foods: In the first few days, stick to a diet of soft foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth to avoid putting pressure on the stitches.
Avoid Smoking and Straws: Stay away from smoking and using a straw for drinking your beverages. Smoking can delay the healing process, and sucking on straws can dislodge the clot forming over your extraction site.
The Process of Removing Stitches
Removing stitches is usually a quick and painless procedure that takes only a few minutes. Your dentist will use sterile tweezers and scissors to snip and gently pull out the stitches. You will get instructions on how to care for the area after your dentist removes the stitches to avoid any complications.
How Long Do Stitches Stay After Wisdom Tooth Removal?
The duration depends on the type of stitches used:
Dissolvable Stitches: If your stitches are dissolvable, they may dissolve on their own within 7 to 10 days after your wisdom tooth removal. In some cases, they might take a bit longer, depending on how fast your body heals.
Non-Dissolvable Stitches: If your dentist uses non-dissolvable stitches after wisdom tooth extraction, you need to visit them so that they can remove them for you, usually about a week after the procedure.
When Should I Be Concerned About My Stitches?
It’s best to contact your dentist if you notice any of the following signs:
Increased pain that seems to be getting worse instead of getting better
Swelling that doesn’t improve after a few days
Pus or bad smell coming from the stitched area
Stitches coming loose or falling out too early
Bleeding that won’t stop or starts again after it had stopped
Fever or feeling unwell, which could mean an infection
No matter the dental emergency, our Emergency Dentist Perth is here to provide you with quick and professional solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stitches after wisdom tooth extraction come loose or fall out early?
In some cases, your stitches may become loose or fall out earlier. Stitches may come loose earlier than expected, especially if you’re eating hard foods or rinsing your mouth too vigorously. In this case, do not panic and contact your dentist to know what’s best to do.
Is it normal to feel the stitches with your tongue after surgery?
Yes, you can feel the stitches with your tongue. They may feel like little threads or knots but try not to play with them to avoid irritating the area.
What happens if food gets stuck near the stitches?
If food gets stuck near your stitches, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area. Do not poke around with your fingers or objects because this could cause irritation or infection.
Do stitches affect how soon I can return to brushing near the site?
You can usually brush your teeth the day after your wisdom tooth surgery, but be extra gentle near the stitches. Try to avoid brushing on the stitched area directly for a few days because it can disturb the wound.
Are stitches always placed by oral surgeons, or can general dentists do it too?
In many cases, both general dentists and oral surgeons are qualified to place sutures after removing wisdom teeth.
Can you request dissolvable stitches instead of regular ones?
Your dentist decides on the best type of stitches typically based on what’s best for your healing and the type of procedure you have had.
How do I know if a stitch has irritated the gum or caused a reaction?
If you notice redness, swelling, pain that’s getting worse, or a sore spot near the stitch, it might be irritated. Let your dentist know if it doesn’t improve or starts to feel worse.
Will having stitches affect how long I need to take time off work or school?
Stitches don’t affect your recovery time. Most people can get back to their normal routine within a few days after wisdom teeth surgery, depending on how they feel.
What should I avoid eating if I have stitches in my mouth?
Avoid crunchy, hard, or spicy foods that could irritate the wound or get stuck in the stitches. Eat softer and easy-to-chew foods like yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes instead.
Book Your Wisdom Tooth Consultation Now
At Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic, we focus on keeping the healing process simple, clean, and as comfortable as possible. Book your visit today and let experienced hands take care of the rest. Contact us at (08) 9474 5083.