Reviewed By Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, DDS
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Wisdom tooth removal often requires stitches to help your gums heal properly. If you recently had the procedure, you might wonder: How long do wisdom teeth stitches take to dissolve?
This guide explains how long dissolvable stitches last, what to expect as they break down, and when to contact your oral surgeon if something feels unusual.
Legacy Surgery offers wisdom tooth removal in Harrisonburg and Staunton, VA.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Wisdom teeth stitches typically dissolve within 1 to 2 weeks, though some may last longer depending on the type used.
Why Stitches Are Used After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Stitches serve an important purpose after wisdom tooth extraction. They close the surgical site, protect the blood clot, and keep food and bacteria from entering the wound. Without stitches, the risk of dry socket and delayed healing would increase.
Depending on the complexity of your wisdom teeth removal, your oral surgeon may place a few stitches only in certain areas or across all surgical sites. Some may be absorbable sutures, while others could be non-dissolvable stitches that need removal during a follow-up visit.
How Long Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Take to Dissolve?
Most dissolvable stitches are designed to break down as your gums heal. On average they take 5-7 days to dissolve.
What to Expect as Stitches Begin to Dissolve
When the stitches begin to break down, you may feel them loosen or see small threads in your mouth. This is a sign your gums are closing and healing underneath. It is important not to tug or cut the stitches yourself. Doing so can reopen the wound and disrupt the blood clot.
If you notice that parts of the stitches haven’t dissolved or they are causing discomfort, contact your surgeon for a follow up appointment.
Supporting Healing After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
To ensure your stitches stay secure and promote proper healing, follow these post-op instructions:
- Bleeding: Remove gauze packs 20 to 30 minutes after leaving the office. Replace only if bleeding continues. Bite firmly on fresh gauze or a damp tea bag for 20 minutes if needed. Do not spit for the first 24 hours.
- Medications: Obtain prescriptions immediately. Take antibiotics until finished. Use prescribed pain medication only as needed, switching to Tylenol or other mild options if they provide relief. Never drink alcohol or drive while taking prescription pain medication.
- Ice packs: Apply externally for the first 24 hours, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Stop after the first day unless otherwise directed.
- Diet: Begin with a soft-food diet such as Jell-O, mashed potatoes, pudding, or yogurt. Avoid hot foods and hot liquids for 3 to 4 days. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Oral hygiene: Starting on day five, use the syringe provided to irrigate lower sockets with warm salt water 2 to 3 times daily until healed.
- Smoking: Avoid smoking for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Smoking increases the risk of complications, including dry socket.
When to Contact Your Oral Surgeon
Most stitches dissolve without issue, but you should reach out to your oral surgeon if you notice:
- Stitches falling out within the first 24 hours after surgery
- Persistent bleeding after stitches loosen
- Significant swelling or pain beyond normal healing
- Signs of infection such as pus, fever, or foul odor
These signs may indicate the wound is not closing properly and needs attention.
Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Removal in Harrisonburg
If you need wisdom teeth removal, Legacy Surgery is here to support you from the procedure through every stage of recovery.
To book an appointment at our Harrisonburg location, call (540) 437-1230 or visit us at 2071 Pro Pointe Lane, Harrisonburg, VA.
📍Other location
(540) 213-8750
110 Mactanly Pl C, Staunton, VA.
FAQs
Do wisdom teeth stitches dissolve or fall out?
Most wisdom teeth stitches are dissolvable, meaning they break down naturally in your mouth. Some may loosen and fall out in small pieces as they dissolve. If your oral surgeon used non-dissolvable stitches, they will remove them during a follow-up appointment.
Can I get a dry socket if I had stitches?
Stitches help close the surgical site, but they do not guarantee the blood clot will stay in place. A dry socket happens when the clot that protects the bone and nerves is lost too early. Even with stitches, strong rinsing, smoking, or drinking through a straw can still dislodge the clot. This is why following post-operative care instructions closely is important to reduce the risk.
Does salt water help dissolve stitches?
Salt water rinses do not speed up the dissolving of stitches. They help keep the surgical site clean, lower the risk of infection, and support healthy healing. Dissolvable stitches break down naturally on their own, regardless of rinsing.
Is there an oral surgeon near me that offers wisdom teeth removal?
Legacy Surgery provides expert care for wisdom tooth removal. Our team offers advanced surgical procedures, including sedation dentistry, careful suture placement, and detailed post-operative care instructions to make your recovery smooth and predictable.