Reviewed by Dr. Matthew Young, DDS
Reading time: three minutes
Stitches are often used during wisdom teeth removal to help the gums heal properly. If your dentist placed stitches after your procedure, it’s helpful to know what they do, how long they last, and what’s normal as they begin to dissolve.
This post covers the basics, so you can recover with fewer questions and more peace of mind.
Table of Contents
- Wisdom Teeth Removal at Post Street Dental Group
- Understanding the Role of Stitches in Your Recovery
- Tips for a Smoother Recovery With Stitches
- Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consultation in San Francisco
- FAQs About Wisdom Teeth Stitches
Key Takeaway
Stitches after wisdom teeth removal help protect the surgical site and support proper healing. They typically dissolve on their own within 7 to 10 days, and it’s normal to notice them loosening or falling out as your mouth recovers.
Wisdom Teeth Removal at Post Street Dental Group
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in, usually between the late teens and early twenties, and they often cause problems like crowding, pain, or infection.
At Post Street Dental Group, we perform wisdom tooth extractions to prevent or resolve these issues and protect your long-term oral health.
If the tooth has fully erupted, removal is typically straightforward. But if it’s impacted (trapped under the gums or bone), a small incision may be needed to access and remove it. In these cases, we place dissolvable stitches to close the area and support healing.
Stitches help reduce bleeding, protect the site from infection, and keep the gum tissue in place as it repairs itself. They’re a normal part of the process for many patients.
If you’re currently dealing with pressure, swelling, or pain near your back molars, you might also find this helpful: Struggling With Wisdom Tooth Pain? Here’s How to Find Relief.
Understanding the Role of Stitches in Your Recovery
Not every wisdom tooth extraction requires stitches. But if an incision is needed to access the tooth, especially in cases where it’s impacted, we place dissolvable stitches to support the healing process.
Here’s what they do and what you can expect:
What Stitches Do
- Close the surgical site: This helps keep food and bacteria out of the area.
- Support healing: Stitches hold the gum tissue in place as it heals.
- Control bleeding: They reduce bleeding after surgery and help the tissue stabilize.
You may feel some slight pressure or tightness around the area. Mild discomfort is normal for the first couple of days. Try not to touch the stitches with your tongue or toothbrush to prevent irritation or early loosening.
Stitches Coming Out of Wisdom Teeth
Dissolvable stitches naturally loosen and fall out as your tissue heals. It is normal to notice stitches coming out of wisdom teeth sites after several days. Do not try to remove them.
If you notice:
- Loose stitches in your mouth
- A stitch on your tongue or cheek
- One side healing faster than the other
…this is usually not a cause for concern. If you are worried about your healing or if you notice bleeding, pus, or increasing pain around the area, give us a call.
Tips for a Smoother Recovery With Stitches
Follow all the post-op instructions you receive to reduce complications.
- Do not use straws or spit forcefully.
- Avoid brushing near the stitches for the first few days.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 48 hours.
- Use cold compresses to reduce swelling.
Most importantly, allow time for your mouth to heal. The surgical area needs to stay undisturbed so the tissue can close and recover properly.
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consultation in San Francisco
If you need your wisdom teeth evaluated or removed, we are here to help. At Post Street Dental Group we provide gentle, expert care with a focus on comfort and recovery.
To book an appointment at our dental office in San Francisco, CA, call (415) 986-4534 or visit us at 490 Post St Suite 520, San Francisco, CA 94102.
FAQs About Wisdom Teeth Stitches
Most stitches used after wisdom tooth removal dissolve within 7 to 10 days. Some may take up to two weeks, depending on the material used and how your body heals.
Yes, you can eat with stitches in place, but it’s important to choose soft foods that don’t irritate the area. Stick to options like yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, or smoothies (no straws). Avoid crunchy, hard, or spicy foods that could dislodge the stitches or slow healing.
Yes, it’s still possible to get dry socket even if you have stitches. Stitches help protect the area, but dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost too early, often from using straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing. Following your post-op instructions closely helps reduce the risk.