Why do they put stitches in after tooth extractions?

Question

I know that sounds like a dumb question, but I'm curious how it works. Does it stop the bleeding somehow? There's still a hole. The stitches hurt so much in the following days. :-(

Answer 1

A wound can heal by what we call "primary intention" where the edges are close together and the skin cells only have to mend across an incision line. This is fast and has good wound strength. An open wound has to heal by "secondary intention" by growing in across the gap with healing tissue. This blleds more, takes longer to heal, and is more likely to get infected. So wherever possible, doctors prefer to pull the edges together. This is usually easy for a skin cut.
However, after the typical dental extraction, the bony walls of the wound limit the amount of pulling that can be achieved, so the wound is usually unsutured.
For a single simple extraction I don't usually suture. For 2 or more extractions I will place haemorrhage sutures to help slow the bleeding. If I've extracted a few teeth in a row, then the flap of skin is usually loose enough to get some good primary closure.
Your dentist was trying to take good care of you. If the sutures become loose and annoying, then they can usually be taken out after only a few days. Dissolving sutures take 10-14 days on their own.

Answer 2

Stitches are done to close the cavity left from the roots of the tooth. It's a necessary procedure to keep the gum intact. Everything done in the mouth hurts if you ask me. It will heal of course and you will forget the pain.

Answer 3

Stitches are used to hold the tissues in their natural position. It keeps the gum from flapping around and helps it to heal back in proper position, attached to the bone. They are generally NOT used to "close the hole," unless there was no hole there in the first place.

Answer 4

It is usually to bring the tissue back to correct position, and from my experience can help prevent dry sockets, since the area is closed off more....And yes it can get irritated if food gets trapped etc.. gentle swishing after 24 hours, with warm salt water can help. Also, brush the teeth surrounding the area with a soft brush. You may want to keep sugar free mints or listerine strips asthe site is healing. There is usually a "not nice" odor while it heals...

Answer 5

It closes up to wound. I believe it also dissolves by itself so you dont need to go back to get them removed. Kinda like stitches for your mouth.