Your wisdom tooth troubles aren’t over after the extraction surgery; there is some aftercare as well. Otherwise, you might experience some complications or additional problems that occur. Your dentist or oral surgeon will stitch the socket to reattach the gum tissue flap after the procedure. But do you know how to care for your wisdom teeth stitches? We’ll talk about it in this article.
Types of Wisdom Teeth Stitches
Do you know sutures are of two types? Even though both serve the same purpose, there is a slight distinction between them. First, there are standard stitches. These stitches are removed by the oral surgeon a week following the wisdom teeth removal surgery. Then, there are dissolvable stitches, which most oral surgeons prefer. You won’t need a visit to get them removed as they dissolve in the mouth. Dissolvable stitches will take several weeks to disintegrate fully.
How to Care for Wisdom Teeth Stitches?
Your dentist will give you some instructions for aftercare after the extraction procedure; make sure to ask them if they don’t. You’ll need to be careful and gentle not to disturb the blood clot or stitches. If not, it can result in complications like a dry socket. Some instructions your oral surgeon might ask you to follow are:
Saltwater Rinses
When the first 24 hours have passed following your surgery, gently rinse with saltwater. Dissolving a pinch of salt in a glass of warm water will do the trick. Remember not to spit or swish; let the water fall out of your mouth instead.
Don’t Brush or Floss the Extraction Site
Generally, you shouldn’t miss a day of cleaning your teeth. But after your wisdom tooth surgery, it is best not to brush or floss the area for 3 to 7 days or as long as your oral surgeon recommends. You can continue to brush and floss the rest of your teeth after 24 hours or when your doctor says it’s okay. However, the extraction site is sensitive, and cleaning or scrubbing it can be detrimental.
Eat Soft Foods, Avoid Sticky, Hard or Crunchy Ones
You’ll have to alter your diet for a few days. So while your wisdom teeth extraction site is healing, stick with soft foods to avoid disturbing the stitches or blood clots. Eating hard, chewy, and crunchy food can be risky.
Foods to eat include:
- Smoothies
- Mashed Potato
- Yogurt
- Scrambled Eggs
- Soup
- Jell-O
Foods to avoid include:
- Any fruits with tiny seeds like strawberries, raspberries, etc.
- Popcorn
- Raw carrots
- Nuts
- Chewing gum
- Steak
- Corn
Refrain from Anything that Requires Suction
Activities that require suction can dislodge the wisdom teeth stitches and the blood clot. Some of these include:
- Spitting
- Using a straw
- Drinking anything hot
- Demanding activity like exercise or lifting heavy objects
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
Your oral surgeon can guide you on when it is safe to resume these activities.
What Should I Do?
Wisdom teeth stitches call for aftercare, or you might face the consequences like a dry socket. In addition, keep an eye out for the signs of infection or anything that doesn’t seem normal. Make sure to inform your oral surgeon instantly. Our Cypress Dental Clinic experts can guide you on what to do and help you with your dental issues. Dial (832)-427-6620 to contact us today.