While wisdom tooth removal is simple these days, the process still requires incisions. You’ll end up sporting some stitches when it’s all said and done, to ensure the treatment sites heal properly. That fact can often prompt a pressing question: Will those special threads eventually dissolve? There’s no need to mull it over endlessly, though; your Bedford dentist will quickly address this query. To that end, here’s a primer on whether wisdom teeth stitches dissolve over time.
Context: How Wisdom Teeth are Removed
Since wisdom teeth are permanent, removing them is invasive. The treating dentist (or surgeon) has to place stitches as part of the overall process.
It comes down to how the dentist needs space. To remove a wisdom tooth safely, an incision must be made that creates room for gripping. (Anything less would just lead to further oral damage.) The dentist will close this cut tissue with stitches called sutures after the extraction.
Thanks to these stitches, the cut gum tissue will slowly and surely heal. The stitching also reduces the level of post-treatment swelling, so you’ll face fewer negative side effects.
Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Dissolve?
Most wisdom teeth stitches do dissolve, but whether your own will depends on the dentist. Some practices use different resources for treatment, after all.
If you receive so-called “dissolving stitches,” expect them to disintegrate on their own. These kinds usually disappear within a few weeks or a month of treatment. That said, their dissolving rate is influenced by the severity of your extraction, the size of the stitches, and the material used.
Non-dissolving stitches are rarer, but they do exist. A dentist will typically remove them after roughly 7-10 days of healing.
Caring for Your Wisdom Teeth Stitches
Whether or not your stitches dissolve, you should look after them to ensure you heal well. Therefore, do the following as part of your aftercare:
- Rinse with Salt Water – If possible, gently rinse with salt water about 24 hours after your surgery. This step will lower your risk of a post-treatment infection.
- Avoid Certain Foods & Drinks – To ensure your stitches don’t tear, only have soft foods like smoothies, yogurt, or scrambled eggs for a while.
- Don’t Spit or Smoke – Try not to spit or smoke while healing; suction can dislodge the blood clot forming over the extraction site.
Although many wisdom teeth stitches dissolve, consult your dentist if you have any issues with them. They’ll manage any problems that crop up!
About the Practice
Peaks View Dental is based in Bedford, VA. Led by Drs. Owen, Wolf, Walerko, and Polk, our practice always strives to meet your smile’s specific needs. We thus offer truly comprehensive dentistry, with treatments ranging from the preventive and cosmetic to the restorative and urgent. Whatever your grin needs help with, trust our team to do the job well. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (540)-586-8106.