Wisdom Teeth Stitches Care & Healing Guide 2025: Costs & Recovery Timeline

After having your wisdom teeth removed, it's common to have stitches placed in your gums to aid healing. Most often, these stitches are dissolvable and disappear naturally within 7 to 10 days.

Wisdom tooth extraction typically involves making an incision and securing the gum tissue with stitches, also called sutures. These stitches stabilize the gum flap and promote proper healing while protecting the site from infection.

Your oral surgeon or dentist will inform you about the type of stitches used during your procedure.

Keep reading to explore the different types of wisdom teeth stitches, how to care for them effectively, and what to expect during your recovery.

Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Dissolve or Need Removal?

Most wisdom teeth surgeries use dissolvable stitches that gradually break down on their own, typically within a few weeks. The exact time depends on factors like the complexity of the extraction, the stitch size, and the material used.

In some cases, non-dissolvable stitches are applied, which require a follow-up appointment for removal, usually 7 to 10 days post-surgery.

How to Properly Care for Wisdom Teeth Stitches

Your oral surgeon will provide specific aftercare instructions to ensure your stitches and extraction sites heal smoothly. Proper care helps prevent complications such as dry socket and infection.

Essential Aftercare Tips

• After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water without vigorous swishing or spitting.
• If prescribed, use chlorhexidine mouthwash as directed to reduce bacterial buildup.
• Complete any prescribed antibiotics fully to prevent infection.
• Avoid brushing or flossing directly over the stitches for 3 to 7 days, or as advised.

Recommended Foods and Foods to Avoid

Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods like smoothies, yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and soups during the initial healing phase.

Avoid foods that are sticky, hard, or have small seeds that could irritate or get trapped in the stitches, such as strawberries, nuts, popcorn, corn on the cob, steak, and chewing gum.

Activities to Avoid

Prevent suction in your mouth which can dislodge stitches or blood clots. Avoid using straws, spitting, smoking, drinking hot liquids, strenuous exercise, and alcohol until your surgeon advises otherwise.

What to Do If a Stitch Feels Loose or Protrudes

Occasionally, stitches may loosen or fall out, which is usually not a problem unless accompanied by signs of infection, bleeding, or wound reopening.

If a stitch irritates your gums or cheek, contact your oral surgeon rather than attempting to remove it yourself. The stitch will typically dissolve or fall out naturally.

Signs of Infection to Watch For

Infections after wisdom teeth removal can occur but are avoidable with proper care. Watch for symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling, pus discharge, redness, unusual sensations in the wound, bad taste, or fever.

If you suspect an infection, contact your dentist or surgeon immediately. They may prescribe antibiotics, which you should complete fully even if symptoms improve.

Healing Timeline for Wisdom Teeth Extraction Sites

While stitches dissolve within days to weeks, full healing of the extraction socket can take 3 to 4 months. Maintaining cleanliness and avoiding irritants during this period is crucial for complete recovery.

Summary

Wisdom teeth removal is a routine procedure often involving dissolvable stitches that typically fall out within 7 to 10 days. Follow your oral surgeon's care instructions carefully to support healing and prevent complications.

Never remove stitches prematurely without professional guidance. If you notice any signs of infection or unusual symptoms, seek prompt dental care.

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