Is It Better To Go For Stitching & Keep Wound Closed After Tooth Surgery?

Posted on Mon, 3 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 3 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Sir, My younger sister aged about 28 yrs having a cyst(probably dentigerous cyst) in left lower jaw just beneath the 3rd molar/wisdom tooth and that has changed the position of her wisdom tooth diagonally and preventing it to come up. It has been detected 3 yrs back incidentally while doing a XRAY for bracing of her teeth. Just around 15 days back she suddenly developed pain in the place of her wisdom tooth. We consulted local dentist who gave antibiotics and medicine for pain which did not give any relief. Doctor then, asked to consult dental surgeon. Dental surgeon suggested to operate the same immediately. Presently it bleeds & puss is coming after getting up in the morning. My query is regarding post operative care of this operation as doctor advising to keep the place open & put gauge on the place which have to be changed on an regular interval. His view is that gum will be automatically grown but other doctor is in favour of stitching the place. It has created a confusion so I am writing this letter for your clarification. We will act according to your clarification. -XXXX ( YYYY@YYYY )

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Its better to go for stitching & keep wound closed Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing in. In my opinion in case of dentigerous cyst, its better to go for enucleation followed by proper dressing & suturing of wound. In case you don't go for stitches, there would be food lodgement & even lack of proper clotting which may lead to delayed healing. Its better to go keep the wound closed after operating.You need to take more precautions after operation. Do warm saline rinses. Maintain proper oral hygiene. Do betadine gargles. Complete your course of medicines at proper timing. Visit your dentist for follow up. Its better to consult oral & maxillofacial surgeon & get it operated as early as possible. Currently continue with your medicines for pain & pus discharge. Hope I answered your query Wishing you good health Regards Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D