Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that grow in the back of the mouth. They often appear in young adulthood and can cause crowding, pain, and other issues. If your wisdom teeth need to be removed, you may get stitches in your gums afterwards to help them heal properly. How long do these stitches last? This article will discuss how long stitches from wisdom teeth generally last, as well as how to take care of them during the healing process.Stitches after wisdom teeth extraction are small sutures used to close the incision made in the gums during wisdom teeth removal surgery. These stitches may be either dissolvable or non-dissolvable and are typically placed by the dental surgeon after the procedure is complete. Dissolvable stitches will dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed, whereas non-dissolvable stitches must be removed by a dentist within 7-10 days following the surgery.
Types of Stitches After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After wisdom teeth removal, there are several stitches that may be used to secure the wound. Depending on the type of procedure performed and the individual patient’s needs, different types of stitches may be used. The most common types of stitches include absorbable sutures, non-absorbable sutures, and skin staples.
Absorbable Sutures
Absorbable sutures are made of natural or synthetic materials that dissolve over time. They provide support to the wound as it heals and do not need to be removed after surgery. Absorbable sutures are commonly used in procedures such as gum removal or tooth extraction. These sutures usually dissolve within a few weeks after surgery and do not require any additional treatment or care.
Non-Absorbable Sutures
Non-absorbable sutures are made from materials that do not dissolve over time. These sutures provide more strength and stability to the wound than absorbable sutures and are often used in more complex dental procedures such as jaw reconstructive surgery. Non-absorbable sutures must be removed by your dentist after your procedure is complete.
Skin Staples
Skin staples may also be used in wisdom teeth removal procedures if needed. Skin staples look like small metal clips that hold the wound closed while it heals. Unlike absorbable or non-absorbable sutures, skin staples can be easily removed at home without a visit to your dentist. This is often preferred for those who have busy schedules and cannot make it to their appointment for stitch removal.
Regardless of which type of stitch is used after wisdom teeth removal, it is important to follow the instructions given by your dentist for proper care and healing of your wound. If you experience any problems with your stitches or have questions about care instructions, contact your dentist immediately for further advice or assistance.
How Long Do Internal Stitches From Wisdom Teeth Last?
Internal stitches from wisdom teeth typically last for up to two weeks. During this time, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing twice a day. It is also important to avoid eating hard or chewy foods that could irritate the stitches. If the stitches become painful or bothersome, contact your dentist immediately.
Your dentist may recommend an antibiotic mouth rinse or a stronger pain reliever if needed. It is also important to follow any other instructions they provide regarding proper care of the stitches, such as avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol while healing from surgery.
It is normal for your mouth to feel sore after having wisdom teeth removed and having internal stitches placed. This should subside within a few days and you should start to feel better by the end of the two-week period. As long as you follow the instructions provided by your dentist, the internal stitches should dissolve on their own in two weeks’ time without any further intervention necessary.
The length of time it takes for wisdom teeth surgery to heal can vary depending on the individual patient and how well they take care of their mouth during recovery. If you experience any excessive bleeding, swelling, or pain that does not subside after two weeks or if you notice that your internal stitches are still present after two weeks, contact your dentist immediately for further evaluation and treatment if needed.
How Long Do Dissolvable Stitches From Wisdom Teeth Last?
Dissolvable stitches from wisdom teeth removal typically last anywhere from 7 to 14 days. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your dentist when it comes to caring for the wound and the stitches so that they can dissolve at the right rate. The amount of time that it takes for the stitches to dissolve depends on how quickly your body metabolizes them. Generally, these stitches will completely dissolve within 2 weeks of the procedure.
It is important to practice good oral hygiene during this time, including brushing and flossing around the area where the stitches are located. This will help prevent infection and also ensure that food particles do not become trapped in the stitches. It is also important not to play with or tug on the dissolvable stitches as this can slow down their dissolving process and cause complications.
It is normal for some discomfort or slight bleeding during the first few days after wisdom teeth removal; however, if you experience severe pain or excessive bleeding, contact your dentist immediately for advice. Your dentist may need to adjust or even remove any remaining stitches if needed.
In conclusion, dissolvable stitches from wisdom teeth extraction will usually last anywhere from 7-14 days before they dissolve completely. It is important to follow all instructions provided by your dentist regarding care for these stitches in order for them to dissolve properly and without complications.
Caring for External Stitches After a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Caring for the external stitches after a wisdom tooth extraction is an important part of the healing process. It is important to keep the area clean and dry to avoid infection and promote healing. Here are some tips to help you care for your external stitches after a wisdom tooth extraction:
1. Keep the area clean by rinsing your mouth gently with warm salt water three times a day. This will help remove any food debris or bacteria that can accumulate around the wound.
2. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol, as these activities can slow down the healing process and may increase your risk of infection.
3. Eat soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt that are easy to chew and swallow without putting too much pressure on the wound.
4. Avoid strenuous activities such as running or lifting heavy objects for at least two weeks after surgery to give your body time to heal properly.
5. Take all medications prescribed by your dentist as directed to help reduce pain and inflammation in the area around the wound.
6. Make sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your dentist after wisdom tooth extraction so they can check on your progress and make sure everything is healing properly.
By following these simple steps you can ensure that your external stitches heal properly and without complications after a wisdom tooth extraction!
When to Seek Medical Attention if the Stitches From Wisdom Teeth Are Bleeding or Infected?
If you have recently had wisdom teeth removed and your stitches are bleeding or infected, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Bleeding and infection can be a sign of complications from the procedure and should not be taken lightly. If the stitches are not healing properly, it could lead to further infection and even damage to the surrounding teeth and mouth.
If you notice any signs of bleeding or infection, such as redness, tenderness, swelling, foul smell coming from the area, or an increase in pain or discomfort around the area where your wisdom teeth were removed, you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. They will be able to assess the situation and determine if additional treatment is needed. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear up any infection.
Your dentist or oral surgeon may also suggest that you have your stitches removed if they are not healing properly. This procedure can help reduce any further risk of infection and will allow for better healing of the area.
It is important to remember that any signs of bleeding or infection should not be ignored after wisdom teeth removal. If left untreated, it could lead to more serious complications which could affect your overall oral health. Be sure to speak with your dentist or oral surgeon if you are experiencing any issues with your stitches after having wisdom teeth removed so they can provide proper treatment before further damage occurs.
Smoking and Wisdom Teeth Extraction Stitches
Smoking can have a significant impact on the healing time of wisdom teeth extraction stiches. When a person smokes during the recovery period, they are introducing unhealthy toxins and substances into their system, which can interfere with the healing process. In addition to this, the nicotine in cigarettes can cause blood vessels to constrict, which can slow down the healing process and reduce oxygen to the wound site.
The recovery period for wisdom teeth extraction stitches is usually between one and two weeks. This is when the body is repairing itself and healing from the surgery. During this time, it is important to take extra care of your mouth. Smoking during this period will slow down healing time, as well as increase your risk of infection.
It is important to note that smoking also affects how well your stitches heal. If you smoke during recovery time, you may find that your stitches do not heal properly. This can lead to pain in your mouth or even infection if bacteria enters through an unhealed wound site. Therefore, it is best to avoid smoking while recovering from wisdom teeth extraction stitches.
If you are a smoker, it may be difficult to stop smoking during recovery time. However, there are some alternatives that may help you manage your cravings such as nicotine replacement therapy or other methods such as hypnosis or acupuncture. It is important to discuss these options with your dentist or doctor before attempting them as they could interfere with any medications you may be taking during recovery time.
Overall, smoking during the healing period of wisdom teeth extraction stitches can have a significant negative effect on how quickly you recover and how well your stitches heal. It is best to avoid smoking altogether while recovering from wisdom teeth extraction stiches in order to ensure proper healing and minimize any potential risks associated with smoking during this period.
Are There Any Complications With Keeping the Stiches In Too Long After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, and usually, the stitches are removed within a few days of the surgery. However, if the stitches are left in too long after wisdom teeth removal, there can be some complications. As time passes, bacteria can build up around the stitches and cause infection. This can lead to pain, swelling and inflammation in the area. In some cases, if left untreated, this infection can spread to other parts of the mouth and even into the bloodstream.
In addition to infection, leaving the stitches in too long after wisdom teeth removal can cause other problems. For instance, the area around the stitches may not heal properly or may become irritated from friction caused by eating or talking. This can lead to scarring or tissue damage which may require further treatment.
Finally, leaving stitches in too long after wisdom teeth removal can delay healing and increase recovery time. When this happens, you may experience increased pain and discomfort which may last for several days or even weeks after surgery.
To avoid any complications with keeping stitches in too long after wisdom teeth removal, it is important to follow your dentist’s instructions regarding when to remove them. They will usually tell you how many days after surgery you should have your stitches removed so that you don’t experience any unnecessary complications.
Conclusion
Stitches from wisdom teeth can last anywhere from one week to four weeks, depending on the severity of the procedure and how well your body heals. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for aftercare to ensure that your stitches heal correctly. During the healing process, it is important to keep the area clean and avoid brushing or flossing near the area. You should also be sure to attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon so that they can assess whether or not the stitches are healing correctly.
Overall, stitches from wisdom teeth can take anywhere from one week to four weeks to heal, depending on the procedure and your body’s ability to recover. While you wait for them to heal, it is important to practice good oral hygiene and keep up with any follow-up appointments with your dentist or oral surgeon. With proper care and attention, you will be able to ensure that your stitches heal correctly.