Saint Pauls, NC
A 19-year-old female asked:
Is it possible for a wisdom teeth extraction site to close up while the stitches are still in there?
5 doctor answers • 13 doctors weighed in

Dr. Theodore Davantzisanswered
Dentistry 42 years experience
Yes: But the sutures are probably not in the socket, but rather outside the socket holding the gingiva together. Some sutures are resorbable, so even if covered by healing gum tissue, they will dissolve.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

A Verified Doctoranswered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 40 years experience
Depends on time: If the sutures are monofilament it is possible that the sutures can be 'buried' in the tissue. Usually it is time dependent. If there is no inflammation/infection around the sutures than over time it can submerge and be inside the tissue. That is why it is important to keep the postoperative appointment so the sutures can be removed if indicated.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Daniel Quonanswered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 44 years experience
Yes: With primary closure, the extraction site will often be closed immediately. Many surgeons use resorbable sutures that do not have to be removed, and will resorb over time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Paul Grinanswered
Pain Management 38 years experience
Of course: The non-dissolvable stitches must be manually removed by the surgeon after 7 days.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Justin Nelsonanswered
Pediatric Dentistry 18 years experience
Yes: yes, the stitches are there just to help attachment and to help close the area tighter as the initial healing is starting.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Mar 2, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
$44 video appointments with $19/month membership*
*Billed $57 every 3 months. Cancel anytime.
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.