How Long Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Take To Dissolve?

February 28, 2025

by Youth Dental

How Long Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Take To Dissolve?

Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn

Reading time: 5 minutes

Wisdom teeth removal is a common oral surgery for teens and young adults because these teeth often lead to overcrowding, pain, infections, and other dental issues.

In this article, you will learn about wisdom tooth recovery learn practical tips to ensure proper healing and a smooth recovery process.

Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics offers wisdom tooth removal in Denver, Aurora, Hampden, and Thornton

Key Takeaway

After wisdom tooth removal, stitches dissolve within 7–10 days. Follow your post-op instructions, avoid pulling or touching the stitches, and let them dissolve naturally to ensure proper recovery.

Types of Stitches Used in Wisdom Teeth Removal

When wisdom teeth are removed, stitches may be used to close the extraction site and protect the area while it heals. There are two main types:

Dissolvable stitches (absorbable): These are designed to break down on their own and don’t require removal. They are commonly used for wisdom teeth surgeries because they reduce the need for a follow-up visit. These absorbable sutures play a big role in simplifying the recovery process.
Non-dissolvable stitches: These must be removed by your dentist, typically about a week after surgery. While less common for wisdom teeth removal, they may be used in specific cases, such as when a more secure closure is needed for complex surgical procedures.

How Long Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Take to Dissolve?

Dissolvable stitches usually take 7–10 days to dissolve completely. However, the timeline can vary depending on several factors:

Saliva exposure: The enzymes in saliva help dissolve stitches, playing an important role in the process of stitches breaking down naturally.
Individual healing: Each person’s body heals differently. Medical conditions and the formation of blood clots in the tooth socket can impact the healing process. If your stitches take longer than 10 days to dissolve, don’t panic—this can happen for some patients.

Signs Your Stitches Are Dissolving Normally

What does normal healing look like? Here are some signs that your stitches are dissolving as expected:

Gradual disappearance: You will notice parts of the stitches breaking down or becoming smaller day by day.
Reduction in swelling: Your gums should feel less swollen and tender as healing progresses.
Minimal bleeding: A small amount of blood early on is normal, but it should stop a few hours after surgery. If you notice that discomfort or bleeding is gradually decreasing over time, it’s a sign that your healing process is on track.

When to Contact Your Dentist

Sometimes, complications can arise. Call your dentist if you notice:

Stitches come loose too early, which can leave the surgical sites exposed.
Excessive pain or swelling beyond the expected recovery period.
Signs of infection, such as pus, fever, or a foul taste in your mouth.

Tips for Proper Care After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Proper care is key to a smooth recovery. Here’s how you can protect the extraction sites and promote healing:

Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods: Stick to soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, and yogurt to avoid irritating the gum tissue. For more information about diet after wisdom teeth removal read: What To Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal: A Guide For Parents.
Keep the site clean: Rinse gently with warm salt water (mix a teaspoon of salt in warm water) multiple times per day to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Follow post-operative instructions: Carefully follow any guidance from your dentist to avoid complications like persistent pain or food debris in the tooth socket.
Don’t touch or pick at stitches: Let them dissolve naturally to avoid irritation or disruption of the healing process.
Maintain good oral hygiene: An antiseptic mouth rinse and a gentle oral hygiene routine are vital for proper care during the recovery process.

Recovery Timeline After Wisdom Teeth Removal

Day	What to Expect
Day of Surgery	Bleeding and swelling are common. Rest and avoid solid foods. Keep the head elevated to minimize swelling.
Day 1–2	Swelling peaks, and you may experience discomfort. Use cold compresses and take prescribed pain medication as directed. Rinse with warm salt water after eating.
Day 3–5	Swelling should begin to reduce. Dissolvable stitches may start to loosen. Stick to a soft-food diet.
Day 6–7	Most dissolvable stitches will begin to dissolve. Continue with proper oral hygiene and follow aftercare instructions.
Week 2	Stitches should be dissolved completely, and the healing process will be well underway. Transition gradually to regular foods.