Wisdom Teeth Stitches Came Out After 3 Days: What You Need to Know

Experiencing the unexpected stitches loss after wisdom tooth removal oral surgery can be concerning. If your wisdom teeth stitches come out after 3 days, you may wonder if it’s normal or if immediate attention is required. Understanding the factors at play will help you make the best decision for your recovery. Let’s explore what could have caused this and what steps you should consider.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth Stitches

After wisdom teeth extraction, stitches play a crucial role in the healing process. They help close the surgical site, allowing the gum tissue to heal properly and prevent food particles and bacteria from entering the wound.

Types of Stitches

Two main types of stitches are used in wisdom tooth surgeries: dissolvable and non-dissolvable. Dissolvable stitches are designed to break down independently over time and not require removal. In contrast, non-dissolvable stitches need to be removed by a dentist or surgeon after a certain period.

Purpose of Stitches

Stitches help to control bleeding immediately following the procedure and are crucial for forming blood clots in the tooth socket. These clots are essential for healing as they protect the underlying bone and nerves.

Care and Management

Proper care is necessary to ensure that stitches do their job effectively. Patients are advised to avoid activities that can dislodge the stitches, such as drinking from a straw, spitting forcefully, or eating hard and crunchy foods. Good oral hygiene practices, like gentle rinsing with salt water and using an antibacterial mouthwash prescribed by the dentist, are essential.

Monitoring for Complications

Patients need to monitor their recovery for signs of complications such as infection, excessive bleeding, or stitches coming out prematurely. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the dentist immediately.

Healing Timeline

Typically, the extraction site starts to heal within one to two weeks post-surgery, but complete healing can take several weeks to months. During this time, following the dentist’s instructions and attending follow-up appointments are important for a smooth recovery.

Common Causes for Stitches Falling Out Early

While stitches are crucial in closing and healing surgical sites after wisdom tooth extraction, there are instances when they might fall out prematurely, potentially compromising the recovery process. Understanding the reasons behind early stitch loss is essential for preventing complications.

Dissolvable Stitch Breakdown

Dissolvable stitches are designed to degrade naturally over time, but sometimes, the breakdown occurs sooner than expected due to variations in body chemistry or material sensitivity.

Improper Post-Surgery Care

Not following aftercare guidelines, such as vigorously rinsing, spitting forcefully, or using straws, can create excessive pressure on the stitches, leading to early dislodgement.

Eating Hard or Crunchy Foods

Consuming crunchy or hard foods can irritate the surgical site and apply unnecessary stress on the stitches, causing them to come loose or fall out.

Swelling and Movement

Significant swelling in the mouth can cause the stitches to stretch or tear if they cannot accommodate the increased pressure. Excessive jaw movement during talking, yawning, or chewing can also exacerbate this issue.

Infection or Inflammation

An infection at the surgical site can increase inflammation, which might weaken the stitch material or cause the gums to retract, leading to premature stitch loss.

Clotting Issues

Improper blood clot formation or dry socket development can prevent the stitches from anchoring properly to the surrounding gum tissue, resulting in dislodgment.

Potential Complications from Early Stitch Loss

Early loss of stitches after wisdom teeth extraction can lead to several complications that may hinder the healing process and require additional medical intervention.

Increased Bleeding: Stitches play a crucial role in controlling bleeding after extraction. Early stitch loss can expose the wound, leading to renewed bleeding that might be difficult to stop without medical assistance.

Dry Socket: Without stitches to secure the protective blood clot over the surgical site, there is a higher risk of dry socket development, which is a painful condition causing the bone and nerves become exposed, causing intense discomfort.

Infection Risk: The premature removal of stitches exposes the extraction site to bacteria and food particles, raising the risk of infection. Symptoms like swelling, pus, or a foul odor from the mouth could indicate an infection.

Delayed Healing: Stitches stabilize the surgical site, promoting quicker and more effective healing. Their early loss can delay wound closure, prolonging recovery and possibly requiring additional treatment.

Swelling and Pain: Early stitch loss can cause the extraction site to remain open longer, leading to prolonged swelling and discomfort as the wound takes more time to heal naturally.

Bone Exposure: The absence of stitches might cause the gums to retract, leading to potential exposure of the jawbone at the extraction site, which could result in further complications.

Signs You Should Seek Professional Help

After wisdom teeth removal or any dental procedure requiring stitches, certain signs suggest it’s time to consult your dentist or oral surgeon:

Persistent Bleeding: If bleeding continues longer than expected or suddenly increases, it could indicate an underlying issue that needs medical attention.

Severe Pain: While discomfort is normal after an extraction, sharp or worsening pain that doesn’t subside with prescribed pain relief might signal complications like a dry socket or infection.

Swelling or Inflammation: Noticeable swelling or inflammation that increases rather than diminishes over time can suggest infection or an adverse reaction.

Pus or Foul Odor: The presence of pus, a foul odor from the mouth, or an unpleasant taste may indicate an infection at the surgical site.

Fever: A sudden or persistent fever could suggest an infection and warrants immediate attention from a healthcare provider.

Numbness or Tingling: Persistent numbness, tingling, or changes in sensation may indicate nerve damage or other complications.

Difficulty Opening Mouth: If your jaw becomes increasingly stiff, limiting your ability to open your mouth, it might be a sign of infection or an issue requiring further investigation.

Bone or Tooth Fragment Exposure: If fragments of bone or tooth become visible or protrude from the extraction site, it necessitates a professional assessment.

Tips for Protecting the Surgery Site

Proper care is essential for healing after a dental procedure. Here are some tips to help protect the surgery site and promote recovery:

Follow Post-Op Instructions: To minimize complications, carefully adhere to your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s post-operative guidelines for cleaning, medication, and diet.

Use a Gentle Rinse: Rinse your mouth gently with a warm saltwater solution to reduce bacteria and promote healing. Avoid vigorous swishing or spitting to protect blood clots.

Avoid Certain Foods: Avoid crunchy, hard, or spicy foods that irritate or damage the wound. Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, and soup.

Apply Ice Packs: Use ice packs on your face near the tooth extraction site to reduce swelling. Apply them for 15-20 minutes during the first 24-48 hours.

Elevate Your Head: Sleep with your head elevated to help reduce swelling and prevent blood pooling at the extraction site.

Avoid Straws and Smoking: Drinking through straws or smoking can dislodge blood clots, causing dry sockets and impeding healing.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss carefully around the surgery site without touching the stitches. Ensure no food debris collects near the wound.

Take Prescribed Medications: Use prescribed pain relief and antibiotics as directed to manage discomfort and prevent infections.

Limit Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous activities for a few days to prevent increased bleeding or swelling.

If your wisdom tooth surgery or teeth stitches come out after 3 days, monitoring the area for signs of complications is crucial. While early stitch loss isn’t always problematic, seeking advice from your Castle Hill dentist at Beyond Infinity Dental clinic can provide peace of mind and help ensure proper healing. Follow your aftercare instructions diligently, stay alert for unusual symptoms, and get the right follow-up care to support a smooth recovery.

References

What to expect after the operation — Royal College of Surgeons

https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/patient-care/recovering-from-surgery/wisdom-teeth-extraction/what-to-expect-after-the-operation/

Dental surgery and recovery – Overview

https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/health-information/dental-surgery-and-recovery

Wisdom Teeth Stitches: Types, Care, Healing Time & More

https://www.healthline.com/health/wisdom-teeth-stitches

Care of the mouth after a surgical procedure

https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/OH-044.19-Care-of-the-mouth-after-surgical-procedure.pdf

Dissolving stitches falling out of wisdom tooth socket 4 days after wisdom tooth extraction

https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/forum/threads/disolving-stitches-falling-out-4-days-after-wisdom-tooth-extraction.23435