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As you look into getting your wisdom teeth extracted, you may be looking forward to finding relief from the pain they have been causing. After a consultation with your dentist, they might’ve mentioned that you will need sutures to help you heal properly. Does this mean you will have to come back to get these stitches removed? You might not have to! Keep reading to learn more about this dissolvable aspect of your treatment.
What Are Dissolvable Stitches?
Modern techniques have created a special type of suture that can break down on its own. There are plenty that are made of nylon or silk, but their absorbable counterpart is made from the fibers that line animal intestines or synthetic polymers. The enzymes in your body can naturally dissolve these types of stitches, meaning you won’t need to schedule another appointment to get them removed.
It can take about a week or two for them to fully disintegrate, but the exact timeline depends on a variety of factors, such as:
- The type of material used in the suture
- Where and how big it is
- How your body heals
In some cases, it can take about a month, but thankfully, they are safe and not inherently toxic. If you are worried about them being in for a seemingly long time, then talking to your dentist can help quell your concerns.
How Can I Care for My Sutures After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After you get your wisdom teeth removed, you will need some time to recover before you get back to feeling great again. It’s important to take care of the extraction site and not do anything that can pull out the sutures.
For instance, it may be tempting to mess with the stitches with your tongue or finger, but this can delay your healing or introduce bacteria into these areas. Eating anything hard can also put pressure on your smile and irritate the soft tissue. It’s best to fill your plates with soft foods, such as soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt (at least for the first few days). For any drinks you have, avoid using a straw as it can increase your risk of developing dry socket or disturbing the sutures.
Your dentist will send you home with some aftercare instructions, so it’s important to follow them to ensure your healing stays effective. Follow what they say about brushing and rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. It’s also important to keep in mind any signs of infection, such as worsening swelling or redness.
Dissolvable stitches that are used for wisdom teeth removal are convenient and effective while you are recovering. You can always talk to your dentist to see if they use them to help you learn more about your treatment.
About the Practice
At Brush Dental, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who are here to support you through your oral healthcare journey. We understand how third molars can sometimes cause problems, so we use state-of-the-art technology to help make removing them easier than ever before. By offering different sedation options, you can get back to a pristine grin while staying as comfortable as possible. If you have any questions about this treatment, schedule an appointment or call our office at (469) 723-4000.
