Did you recently undergo a wisdom tooth extraction? After the procedure, your oral surgeon will probably suture the side with stitches. The purpose of wisdom teeth stitches is to allow fast and safe recovery, preventing infections. If you take proper care of the stitches, you can expect to recover soon.
In this blog, we will mention the types of wisdom teeth stitches and how to care for them. Carry on reading to find out!
Types of Wisdom Teeth Stitches
You can find two types of wisdom teeth stitches, although both serve the same purpose. Standard stitches are the type of sutures your oral surgeon will remove a week following your surgery. Dissolvable stitches, however, do not need to be removed. Since dissolvable stitches disintegrate in the mouth, oral surgeons prefer them over standard ones. However, the dissolvable wisdom teeth stitches might take weeks to fully dissolve.
Instructions to Care for Wisdom Teeth Stitches
The extraction site will require extra care after surgery. Therefore, you will need to follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure the area heals properly. You can ease discomfort by rinsing your mouth using lukewarm salt water or a mouthwash prescribed by your dental specialist. In addition, you should avoid brushing over the wisdom teeth stitches until your oral surgeon deems it safe to do so. Lastly, keep in mind not to interfere with the blood clot formation beneath the stitches. Otherwise, you could develop a dry socket.
Why Are My Wisdom Teeth Stitches Hanging?
Sometimes, people notice their wisdom teeth stitches hanging or falling out. In that case, you will need dental attention. Usually, it is not a cause for concern. But wisdom teeth stitches hanging could mean:
- An infection has occurred in the extraction site
- The wound has opened
- There is bleeding in the wound
If the wisdom teeth stitches are irritating your cheek, inform your oral surgeon. No matter what, avoid cutting, pulling, or removing the stitches yourself. Wait for your oral surgeon’s instructions and act accordingly. Pulling the wisdom teeth stitches could affect the healing and allow germs into the extraction hole.
Signs of Infection After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
There is always a possibility of infection after tooth extraction. Hence, keeping the stitches clean of food debris and other particles is mandatory. If you have a wisdom teeth infection after the extraction procedure, you will notice the following:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Fluid or pus leakage
- Blood or pus in nasal discharge
- Redness
- Scratching sensation in the extraction hole
- Bad taste in the mouth that brushing or rinsing does not eliminate
- Fever
You will need to call your oral surgeon right away if you notice an infection after tooth extraction. They might prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection. Make sure to complete the course, even if you feel better after a few days! Neglecting an oral infection will only make your condition worse.
Wisdom Teeth Hole Healing Time
Full recovery after wisdom teeth removal will take time. However, you can resume eating and gently use a toothbrush on the area after the stitches have dissolved. The empty wisdom tooth socket takes 3 to 4 months to heal completely. Hence, make sure to take care of the site until it heals completely.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about wisdom teeth stitches don’t forget to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. Our Champions Dental team has the tools you need to reclaim your oral health! Dial (281) 866-0442 to talk to us now. You can also visit us at 13455 Cutten Rd. Suite 2G, Houston, TX, 77069, right next to FullOut Dance.