Is It Safe to Remove Wisdom Teeth Stitches After 23 Days?

Q: Is It Safe to Remove Wisdom Teeth Stitches After 23 Days?

Hello： It is strongly recommended that you have the original surgeon remove the sutures, as they are more familiar with the location, number, and method of tying the sutures. <br>This is a response from Dr. <br>Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry o

Is it possible to remove the stitches 23 days, or about three weeks, after wisdom tooth extraction? Would that be too long?

Hello Dr.
Lin,
I had my wisdom teeth extracted on May 13 at a major hospital.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital postponed my suture removal to June 4.
I had two wisdom teeth removed: the upper left and the lower left.
The lower left wisdom tooth was sutured normally, while the upper left was extracted through the gum on the left cheek side because it was embedded in the bone and close to the maxillary sinus.
The incision was longer, extending from the wisdom tooth to the last two teeth on the upper left (which seems to be a total length involving three teeth?).
The doctor even asked the nurse for an extra suture.
Since the upper left incision is longer, I am unsure if I can have the sutures removed at a general clinic.
1.
Would you recommend that I first go to a general clinic to evaluate the upper left and have the sutures removed from the normally sutured lower left wisdom tooth? Is it necessary to remove the sutures within two weeks?
2.
Alternatively, is waiting three weeks (23 days) not too long, and can I just return to the major hospital for a follow-up? (I found that the typical suture removal for wisdom teeth is about 1 to 2 weeks, and I wonder if waiting an additional week is still within an acceptable range or if it exceeds the recommended time.
Also, since the surgical approach for the upper left wisdom tooth was different, would it be more appropriate to have the original surgeon remove the sutures?)
I apologize for not finding any cases online regarding suture removal for wisdom teeth after three weeks, so I am inquiring with you.
Thank you very much for taking the time to respond amidst your busy schedule.

Miss Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/05/20

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry

Hello: It is strongly recommended that you have the original surgeon remove the sutures, as they are more familiar with the location, number, and method of tying the sutures.
This is a response from Dr.
Lin Chia-Yung, Department of Dentistry, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2021/05/20

More Info

When it comes to the removal of wisdom teeth and the subsequent care, it's essential to follow the guidance of your dental professional. In your case, you are considering whether it is safe to remove the stitches after 23 days. Generally, the timeline for removing stitches after wisdom tooth extraction can vary based on the complexity of the procedure and the healing process of the individual.

1. Timing for Suture Removal: Typically, stitches are removed within 1 to 2 weeks after the extraction of wisdom teeth. This is because, during this period, the gum tissue begins to heal, and the stitches are no longer necessary. However, in some cases, especially with more complicated extractions (like yours, where the tooth was close to the sinus cavity), it may be acceptable to leave the stitches in for a longer period. While 23 days is longer than the usual timeframe, it is not uncommon for some patients, particularly if the healing process is progressing well.

2. Consulting a Dental Professional: Given that your extraction was more complex, it would be advisable to consult with your original surgeon or a dental professional who can assess the healing of your gums. They can determine whether the stitches are still needed or if they can be safely removed. If you are considering going to a general dental clinic for suture removal, ensure that the dentist is experienced in handling post-operative care from wisdom tooth extractions.

3. Potential Risks of Delayed Suture Removal: Leaving stitches in for too long can lead to complications such as infection or irritation of the surrounding tissue. If the stitches are dissolvable, they may eventually break down on their own, but if they are non-dissolvable, they need to be removed to prevent any potential issues.

4. Signs of Complications: If you notice any signs of infection (such as increased swelling, redness, pus, or persistent pain), it is crucial to seek immediate dental care. These symptoms can indicate that the healing process is not progressing as it should, and timely intervention may be necessary.

5. Follow-Up Care: After the stitches are removed, continue to follow your dentist's recommendations for oral hygiene and care. This may include gentle rinsing with salt water, avoiding hard or crunchy foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent infection.

In conclusion, while 23 days is longer than the typical timeframe for suture removal, it may still be acceptable depending on your individual healing process. It is best to consult with your dental professional, preferably the one who performed the extraction, to ensure that everything is healing correctly and to determine the best course of action regarding your stitches. Your health and comfort should always be the priority, so don't hesitate to seek professional advice.

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