Are you preparing to get your wisdom teeth removed? No doubt, you wonder what the recovery process will be like. Your oral surgery team will provide detailed post-op instructions to help you. But you may still wonder about your stitches. Will they dissolve on their own, or will you need to go back to see your care team in order to get them removed? This blog post explains what you should know about wisdom teeth stitches.
Wisdom Teeth Stitches Are Dissolvable
Most oral surgeons use dissolvable wisdom teeth stitches, which are also known as sutures. Here is an overview of the different types of stitches that are commonly used for this procedure:
- Gut Sutures: Manufactured from purified sheep or cow intestines, these sutures typically dissolve within 7 – 10 days.
- Chromic Gut Sutures: These are gut sutures treated with chromium salt, which allows them to last about 10 – 14 days before they completely dissolve.
- Vicryl Sutures: Made from synthetic materials, Vicryl sutures generally remain intact for 2 – 3 weeks before dissolving.
The type of sutures you receive will be chosen according to your needs and your surgeon’s preferences. If you have specific questions about the materials used or how long it might take for your stitches to dissolve, feel free to ask your care team.
Post-Operative Care for Dissolvable Stitches
Here are some practical steps you can take to care for your stitches and encourage a smooth recovery process:
- Practice gentle oral hygiene: You should brush and floss diligently, but be careful not to disturb your surgical sites. You may also need to gently use a mouth rinse in order to minimize the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth.
- Eat a soft, nutritious diet: After surgery, start with liquids for the first 24 hours, then transition to soft foods. It is okay to consume treats like ice cream and milkshakes, but try to eat mostly nutritious items, like broth and well-cooked veggies.
- Prevent dry socket: Dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is disrupted. Avoid smoking, refrain from drinking through a straw, and follow dietary recommendations to reduce your risk.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth moist and supports the healing process.
Recovery Expectations
For most patients, dissolvable stitches will disappear according to the expected timeline. The healing process should be pretty easy if you follow the recommended care instructions. However, if you notice any unusual discomfort, delayed healing, or believe your stitches are not dissolving as anticipated, contact your oral surgeon promptly so they can provide the needed assistance.
Dissolvable sutures are designed to make your post-surgical experience more convenient and comfortable. They are a wonderful feature of modern dental care.
Meet the Practice
Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is home to four highly skilled oral surgeons, including Drs. Steve Koo and Thomas Weil, who have several decades of combined experience and are both board-certified. If you are interested in learning more about wisdom tooth removal and the recovery process, our team would be happy to speak to you. Get in touch with our Katy, TX, team at 832-353-1100.