Tooth extraction with stitches?

Question

I just had a back molar extracted today. It was complicated and he told me it was going to be a lot of pressure. He ended up having to put in a stitch or two. My problem lies in the fact that this was like 12 hours ago and I am still swollen and sore. A month ago I had two pulled on the other side and didn't really have any pain. I am also unsure about the stitch and where it is. I am not sure if it is near the next tooth or further back and I don't wanna mess with anything and lose the stitch. Any opinions on this and how long the pain will last.

Answer 1

It sounds like this extraction was a bit tougher than the last time. Pain and swelling is to be expected, the pain is usually at its worst on the first day and if you don't have any problems taking Advil (ibuprofen) it can be very effective. Swelling usually peaks on the second or third day, so don't be surprised if you get more swollen. Make sure you're using ice packs on your cheeks for up to 24 hours after the extraction...you can use a bag of frozen peas, it works great! Keep it on for 20 minutes, then off for 20 minutes, then on again, etc. If you haven't been doing this already you still have a few hours where it will help.
Don't mess with the stitch, it will either fall out on its own within the next week or be removed when you see your dentist for your follow-up. It's not unusual for a stitch to be actually placed between the next two teeth forward, it is sometimes the best angle to close the gum flap.
I hope this helps!

Answer 2

HELLO STEPHANIE,

THIS SHOULDN'T BE A PROBLEM AT ALL. THE STITCH IS THERE SO THE GUM HEALS PROPERLY WHERE THE TOOTH WAS REMOVED. THIS WILL ALSO AID IN KEEPING THE HEALING BLOOD CLOT IN PLACE, SO YOU AVOID GETTING "DRY SOCKET."
SINCE THIS WAS PROBABLY A SURGICAL EXTRACTION, IT MAY FEEL AS IF THE BONE AROUND THIS AREA IS STILL QUITE SORE.
IF YOUR DOCTOR PRESCRIBED VICODIN OR TYLENOL #3 AND IT ISN'T WORKING WELL, TRY TAKING 3-4 ADVIL. THIS IS ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND WILL HELP BETTER THAN THE OTHERS.
MAKE SURE TO KEEP A COLD PACK OVER THE AREA THE FIRST 24 HOURS TO AVOID SWELLING.
AFTERWARD, USE MOIST WARM HEAT VER THE AREA TO BRING DOWN THE SWELLING.