Oral Surgery Aftercare: Dental Stitches
Do I need to get my stitches removed after oral surgery?
Removing the stitches after oral surgery depends on whether they are dissolvable or non-dissolvable. If your surgeon uses a dissolvable stitch, then you do not usually need to remove them. If they're non-dissolvable, such as silk or nylon, then you would need to remove them.
How do I know if my stitches are dissolvable?
You would know if the stitches are dissolvable by asking your surgeon before the surgery.
How long do dissolvable stitches last in the mouth?
Dissolvable stitches usually last in the mouth about two to three weeks.
What happens if stitches don't dissolve after tooth extraction?
If your stitches don't dissolve after tooth extraction, contact your oral surgeon to ask if they're dissolvable. If they're not dissolvable, then you would need to return to have them removed.
When should dental stitches be removed?
Dental stitches should be removed when the surgeon decides. There are different procedures, and depending on the procedure, we remove the stitches at different times. They're usually removed from 10 days to four to five weeks.
Can I remove my own dental stitches?
You should never try to remove your own dental stitches. You may harm the area, so you should always visit your surgeon to have your stitches removed.
What do dissolvable stitches look like and when do they fall out?
Dissolvable stitches look like a brownish string or a clear string, and they should fall out in about two to three weeks.
Are dissolvable stitches supposed to itch?
Dissolvable stitches may cause some itching, which is normal.
Do all wisdom teeth surgeries require stitches?
Not all oral surgery procedures or wisdom teeth removals require stitches.
Can dental stitches get infected?
Dental stitches rarely get infected.
What happens if a stitch comes out early?
If a stitch comes out early, contact your oral surgeon. Depending on the procedure, sometimes it's not a problem and sometimes it is. Your oral surgeon should be the one answering that question.
How can I care for stitches after oral surgery?
Caring for stitches after oral surgery involves not doing much with them. Avoid pulling your cheek, looking at them, and just clean the teeth around them. Avoid using an electric toothbrush near the stitches to prevent tangling.
Do stitches affect how fast I heal after extraction?
Stitching definitely helps with healing after extraction, but not every extraction needs stitches. This depends on the scenario.
Will I feel it when dissolvable stitches come out?
You may or may not feel when the dissolvable stitches come out. Usually, people find out there are no more stitches after they eat and notice the stitches are gone.
Can I eat normally with stitches in my mouth?
I personally recommend not eating normally with the stitches. I recommend soft food and sometimes even blended food.
Want to learn more? Call Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery of New York at (332) 244-0554 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.