Are Wisdom Teeth Stitches Supposed To Fall Out
Introduction
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that appear in the late teenage years or early twenties. The extraction of wisdom teeth is a common dental procedure that involves the removal of one or more wisdom teeth. After the extraction, your dentist may stitch the wound to reduce bleeding and promote healing. However, many people wonder if wisdom teeth stitches are supposed to fall out. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question.
What are Wisdom Teeth Stitches?
Wisdom teeth stitches, also known as dental sutures, are used to close the wound after the extraction of wisdom teeth. These stitches are made of dissolvable or non-dissolvable materials depending on the type of wound and the dentist's preference. Dissolvable stitches are absorbed by the body over time, while non-dissolvable sutures need to be removed by the dentist after a few days.
Do Wisdom Teeth Stitches Fall Out?
Wisdom teeth stitches are not supposed to fall out on their own. These stitches are designed to stay in place until the wound has healed completely. However, there are some instances where wisdom teeth stitches may fall out due to a variety of reasons. If the stitches fall out prematurely, it can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
Reasons Why Wisdom Teeth Stitches May Fall Out
There are several reasons why wisdom teeth stitches may fall out. These include:
- Physical activity: Excessive physical activity or strain can dislodge the stitches.
- Smoking: Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of the stitches falling out.
- Eating hard or crunchy food: Eating hard or crunchy foods can put pressure on the stitches and cause them to fall out.
- Infection: If the wound becomes infected, it can cause the stitches to become loose and fall out.
- Tongue or cheek movement: Constant movement of the tongue or cheek can dislodge the stitches.
What to Do If Wisdom Teeth Stitches Fall Out Prematurely?
If your wisdom teeth stitches fall out prematurely, it is important to contact your dentist immediately. Your dentist will examine the wound and decide whether the stitches need to be replaced or not. In some cases, the wound may heal without the need for stitches, but in other cases, new stitches may need to be placed.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth stitches are not supposed to fall out on their own. If the stitches fall out prematurely, it can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. There are several reasons why wisdom teeth stitches may fall out, including physical activity, smoking, eating hard or crunchy foods, infection, and tongue or cheek movement. If your wisdom teeth stitches fall out prematurely, contact your dentist immediately to get the appropriate treatment.
