Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. When wisdom teeth come in, they can cause problems such as crowding and infection. To correct these issues, a dentist might decide to remove the wisdom teeth and may need to use stitches during the procedure. It is important to know when these stitches will dissolve, as this will help with recovery time and ensure that everything heals properly. In this article, we will discuss when wisdom teeth stitches dissolve and other important information related to the healing process.Wisdom teeth stitches are a type of sutures used to close the wound after a wisdom teeth extraction. The sutures are usually made from absorbable material, such as nylon or polyglactin, which will dissolve over time and do not need to be removed by a dentist or oral surgeon. Wisdom teeth stitches help to keep the wound closed and promote healing in the area.
What Causes Wisdom Teeth Stitches?
Wisdom teeth stitches are caused when wisdom teeth surgery is needed to remove the wisdom teeth. The stitches are typically placed to help speed up the healing process and to help minimize pain and swelling. The stitches are usually placed in the gum tissue around the extraction site. This helps to seal the area and promote healing. In some cases, dissolvable stitches may be used which do not need to be removed by a dentist or oral surgeon.
Wisdom teeth removal is typically recommended when there is not enough room in the mouth for them to erupt properly, when they become impacted, or if they become infected or cause other issues such as crowding of other teeth. During wisdom tooth removal, a small incision is made in the gum tissue so that the tooth can be extracted. Stitches may also be used after surgery to hold the gum tissue in place and promote healing.
If dissolvable stitches are used, they will eventually dissolve on their own over time without any intervention from a dental professional. Non-dissolvable stitches will need to be removed by a professional at a later date. It is important for patients who have had wisdom teeth surgery to follow their dentist’s instructions for proper care of the area to ensure that it heals properly and without complications.
In some cases, complications can arise from wisdom tooth removal if infection occurs or if there is poor healing of the area around the extraction site due to inadequate care after surgery. If this occurs, it may require additional treatment such as antibiotics or even further surgery in order to properly treat it.
Overall, wisdom teeth stitches are placed after surgery in order to help speed up healing and minimize pain and swelling associated with wisdom tooth removal. It is important for patients who have had their wisdom teeth out to follow their dentist’s instructions regarding care of the area in order to ensure proper healing and avoid any potential complications that can arise from improper care following surgery.
How Long Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Last?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars to emerge and are usually the last teeth to come in, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. When wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to emerge in the mouth, they can become impacted and require surgery. During this procedure, stitches may be used to close the wound site. These stitches typically dissolve after a few days, but may be removed by your dentist if needed.
It is important for patients to follow post-operative instructions carefully after wisdom teeth removal. This includes eating soft foods and avoiding vigorous activities like strenuous exercise, which can cause bleeding and pain at the surgical site. After surgery, it is normal to experience slight discomfort or swelling of the jaw. In most cases, discomfort should subside within a few days.
Dissolvable sutures are often used following wisdom tooth extraction so that no additional visits are necessary for their removal. These sutures will gradually dissolve over time; however, the exact amount of time differs from patient to patient. Generally speaking, dissolvable stitches will last anywhere from four to seven days after surgery; however, some patients may experience them for up to two weeks afterward.
If you have had your wisdom teeth removed and still have stitches remaining after two weeks, contact your dentist right away as this could indicate an infection or other issue that requires medical attention. Meanwhile, it is important to continue following post-operative instructions carefully during this period of healing to ensure proper recovery with minimal complications.
1. Take Pain Medication
Taking over-the-counter pain medication or prescription medication prescribed by your dentist can help reduce swelling after wisdom teeth removal. Ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory medications are often recommended to reduce inflammation and swelling. It is important to follow all instructions regarding the use of these medications, as some may cause stomach irritation if taken on an empty stomach. Additionally, if you are taking blood thinners, be sure to check with your doctor before taking any type of pain reliever.
2. Apply Ice Packs
Applying ice packs to the area of the mouth where the wisdom teeth were removed can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Ice packs should be applied for 10-15 minutes at a time, and should be done several times a day for best results. Wrapping the ice pack in a towel or cloth can help prevent frostbite on the skin and keep it from becoming too cold.
3. Keep the Area Clean
Keeping the area where your wisdom teeth were removed clean is essential for reducing swelling and preventing infection. Carefully rinse your mouth out with warm saltwater several times a day to help remove any food particles that may be stuck in the wound area. You should also brush your teeth carefully but avoid brushing directly in the area where your wisdom teeth have been removed to prevent irritation or further damage to the wound site.
4. Avoid Smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your overall health, but it can also slow down healing after wisdom teeth removal surgery. The smoke from cigarettes will irritate and delay healing of the wound site, making it more difficult for swelling to subside quickly. If you are having trouble quitting smoking, speak with your doctor about ways you can quit or reduce smoking so that you can speed up recovery time after wisdom teeth removal surgery.
5. Eat Soft Foods
Eating soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, soups and other soft foods can help reduce swelling after wisdom teeth removal surgery since these foods are easier on your mouth than hard foods like chips or crackers that require chewing which could irritate the wound site even more. Avoid drinking through straws as this could disturb healing tissue at the extraction site and lead to further swelling or discomfort.
Tips for Looking After Wisdom Teeth Stitches
It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions carefully to ensure that your stitches heal properly. Here are some tips for looking after wisdom teeth stitches:
• Keep your mouth clean by brushing and flossing carefully. Pay special attention to the area around the stitches, but do not floss directly on them. Rinse with a mild salt water solution or mouthwash to help reduce swelling and promote healing.
• Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate the stitches. Soft foods such as mashed potatoes, soup, and applesauce are best while you are healing.
• Avoid drinking from straws as this can dislodge the stitches.
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products for at least 24 hours after surgery. Tobacco use can slow down the healing process and increase your risk of infection.
• Take any medications prescribed by your dentist as directed; painkillers may be needed if you are in discomfort during recovery.
• If you experience persistent bleeding from the area, contact your dentist immediately for further instructions.
If you take good care of your wisdom teeth stitches, they should heal quickly and without any issues. However, if you experience any signs of infection or unusual pain, contact your dentist right away for further advice on how to manage them.
How to Prevent Infection After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure for many adults. As with any type of oral surgery, there is always a risk of infection. To reduce the risk of infection after wisdom teeth removal, it is important to take certain precautions and follow your dentist’s instructions closely. Here are some tips on how to prevent infection after wisdom teeth removal:
1. Follow the Pre- and Post-Operative Instructions: Your dentist will provide you with detailed instructions before and after the surgery. Following these instructions carefully can help reduce the risk of infection. For example, your dentist may recommend that you avoid eating solid foods for a few days after the surgery, or that you rinse your mouth gently with salt water several times per day.
2. Keep the Area Clean: Cleaning and caring for the area where your wisdom teeth were removed is essential for preventing infection. Your dentist will likely recommend that you brush the area gently with a soft toothbrush or use an antiseptic rinse to keep it clean. It is also important to avoid disturbing any sutures or stitches in the area so that it can heal properly.
3. Avoid Bad Habits: Smoking, drinking alcohol, and using illegal drugs can all increase your risk of developing an infection after surgery, so it is important to avoid these bad habits while you are recovering from wisdom tooth extraction. Also, make sure to get adequate rest and drink plenty of fluids during this time in order to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the area.
4. Take Antibiotics as Prescribed: Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics prior to the procedure or afterwards to help prevent infection from setting in. Make sure to take all antibiotics as prescribed in order for them to be effective in preventing an infection from occurring.
Following these tips can help reduce your risk of developing an infection after wisdom teeth removal. Be sure to keep all appointments with your dentist and discuss any concerns that arise following your procedure with them as soon as possible so they can provide appropriate care if necessary.
Pain Relief for Wisdom Teeth Stitches
If you have recently had your wisdom teeth removed and you are suffering from pain due to the stitches, there are a few things that you can do to help relieve the discomfort. One of the most effective methods of pain relief is over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medications can help to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from the discomfort. It is important to follow the instructions on the package carefully and not exceed the recommended dosage.
Another way to reduce pain from wisdom teeth stitches is to use an ice pack or a cold compress. Applying cold directly to the area can help reduce swelling and inflammation, as well as numb any sharp pains that may be caused by the stitches. Additionally, using an oral rinse or mouthwash can also provide some relief from pain due to its numbing effect on the gums.
It is also important to rest after having wisdom teeth removed. Avoiding strenuous physical activity can help reduce stress on your body and promote healing of your gums. Avoid eating hard foods that could further irritate your stitches and make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day.
Finally, if you are still experiencing intense pain after trying these methods, it is best to contact your dentist or surgeon for additional advice on how best to treat your wisdom teeth stitches and alleviate pain. They may recommend additional medications or other treatments such as steroid injections in order to provide more effective relief from discomfort due to stitches in your mouth.
Natural Remedies for Healing Wisdom Teeth Stitches
Wisdom teeth stitches can be painful and uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are some natural remedies you can use to help heal them faster. There are many home remedies that can reduce discomfort and promote healing. Here are some of the most popular natural remedies for healing wisdom teeth stitches:
Salt Water Rinse
Salt water rinses are one of the simplest and oldest home remedies for promoting wound healing. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and rinse your mouth with it several times a day. This will help to reduce swelling and pain as well as clear away any bacteria or food particles that may have become trapped around the wound.
Tea Bags
Tea bags can be used to help soothe wisdom teeth stitches. Soak a tea bag in hot water and then place it directly on the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time. The tannins in the tea bag will help to reduce swelling and pain while also promoting healing.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is known for its antibacterial properties, which makes it an effective remedy for wound healing. It can also reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and promote tissue repair. Simply apply a small amount of coconut oil directly to the affected area several times daily until the stitches heal completely.
Turmeric Paste
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which make it an ideal remedy for promoting wound healing. To make a turmeric paste, mix together 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough water to form a thick paste. Apply the paste directly onto your stitches and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. Do this several times daily until your stitches heal completely.
Garlic Oil
Garlic oil has powerful antibacterial properties which makes it an effective remedy for promoting wound healing and reducing inflammation around the affected area. Simply apply garlic oil directly onto your stitches several times daily until they heal completely.
While these natural remedies may help promote faster healing, if you experience any severe pain or other symptoms related to your wisdom teeth stitches, you should consult with your dentist or doctor immediately as they may require medical intervention in order to properly heal.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth stitches typically dissolve within 2 weeks of the surgery. However, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions for proper aftercare to ensure that the stitches dissolve properly and that the area heals properly. This includes not consuming anything harder than a soft food, avoiding drinking from a straw, and brushing carefully around the area. If you experience any pain or discomfort while the stitches are still in place, contact your dentist as soon as possible.
Overall, wisdom teeth removal is a very common and straightforward procedure. Although there may be some pain and discomfort associated with it, taking care of yourself afterwards will help ensure that everything heals properly and that your stitches dissolve on time. With proper aftercare and self-care, you can get back to normal life quickly and without complications.