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Is It Normal to See the Knot From My Dissolvable Stitch After Having My Wisdom Tooth Extracted?

I am only 1 week post-op and all seems to be healing well, but I've had a constant ache in a localized spot. I took a closer look at the area today and noticed a knot from the dissolvable sutures was causing an irritation. Will this just go away or should I try and pull on the knot or cut it?

Doctor Answers 2

Sutures can take longer to dissolve

August 8th, 2012
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It can take longer than 1 week for the stitches to dissolve.  Don't worry about that.  If you find it uncomfortable, then I would recommend that you call the surgeon that removed your teeth and have him look at the area and remove the suture if necessary. 

Martin Frankel, DDS


Toronto Dentist
3.7 out of 5 stars 3 reviews

Dissolvable suture after extraction

August 8th, 2012
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Sometimes the suture takes more than a week to dissolve. Often times, the part of the suture that is inside your tissue dissolves and then the rest that is on the outside including the knot just falls off.  If you can give it a gentle tug and the knot comes right out without any discomfort, it is probably okay.  If not, then I would wait a little longer.

Gordon Chee, DDS

Gordon Chee, DDS
Calgary Dentist

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.