I Just Had My Wisdom Teeth Removed; Will the Stitches Dissolve on Their Own?

The wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars a person will receive in their lifetime, but these large pearly whites can cause serious oral health problems if the mouth doesn’t have enough room to accommodate them. Luckily, your dentist can schedule you for an appointment to have these troublesome teeth removed. Here’s a quick guide to how wisdom teeth are removed and how self-dissolving stitches can help you enjoy a smoother healing process.

How Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure that can prevent a wide range of issues like dental misalignments, chronic pain, uneven enamel wear, oral infections, and tooth loss. The process always begins with the dentist or oral surgeon administering an anesthetic to render the treatment painless before using a specialized device to lift the wisdom teeth from the gum tissue and carefully working them loose with forceps. Once the teeth are removed, the oral health professional will close the wounds with removable or self-dissolving stitches.

Will I Need to Have My Stitches Removed?

If your dentist or oral surgeon uses removable stitches that don’t dissolve on their own, you will probably have to go back to their office to have them taken out about seven to ten days after the extraction. However, many providers use dissolving stitches that are designed to break down in the gum tissue after the healing process is complete. This allows the patient to enjoy a less stressful recovery process, and the dissolving stitches should be gone in about a month.

How Can I Keep My Recovery Process Smooth and Comfortable?

You can expect some pain while recovering from wisdom tooth extraction, and you’ll need to keep up with your provider’s aftercare instructions to stay comfortable and prevent complications. These will probably include:

• Practicing excellent oral hygiene while being especially careful when cleaning around the extraction sites.
• Taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as instructed.
• Not spitting or drinking through a straw for several days after the procedure. This will help prevent a miserably painful condition that leaves you more vulnerable to infection called dry socket.
• Rinsing with a saltwater solution to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
• Abstaining from smoking and alcohol use.
• Avoiding strenuous physical activity for a few days after your procedure.
• Getting plenty of rest. You may need to take a few days off work after having your wisdom teeth removed.

Don’t let your wisdom teeth cause you constant pain and set you up for destructive oral infections. If your dentist recommends wisdom tooth extraction, you can rest assured that it is in your best interest.

About the Practice

Dentex Dental Group offers the finest oral healthcare in the Philadelphia area. Led by a team of six skilled dentists, the staff ensures that each patient receives top-notch service in a warm and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as wisdom tooth extractions. If your wisdom teeth are giving you trouble, contact the office on the web or dial (215) 677-3904.