After certain dental procedures, your dentist may place sutures, commonly known as stitches, to help the surgical site heal properly. These sutures play a significant role in closing wounds, stabilizing tissues, and minimizing bleeding. A frequent question patients have revolves around whether these dental sutures dissolve on their own.
Understanding Dental Sutures
Dental sutures are categorized into two types based on their material and how they interact with the body: absorbable and non-absorbable. Absorbable sutures are designed to naturally degrade and be absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for removal by a dental professional. These are often made from natural materials like chromic gut, derived from animal collagen, or synthetic polymers such as polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polyglactin 910 (Vicryl).
In contrast, non-absorbable sutures do not dissolve and must be manually removed by your dentist once the wound has sufficiently healed. Common materials for non-absorbable sutures include silk, nylon, and polypropylene. The choice between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures depends on factors like the surgical site, procedure type, and expected healing time. Absorbable sutures are often used in hard-to-reach areas or for short-term support, while non-absorbable ones are preferred for extended wound support, such as after complex extractions or implant placements.
The Dissolving Mechanism and Timeline
Absorbable sutures are engineered to break down within the body through natural biological processes. Synthetic absorbable sutures, such as those made from polyglycolic acid or polyglactin, primarily dissolve through a process called hydrolysis. This involves water molecules in the body’s fluids breaking down the chemical bonds of the suture material. Natural absorbable sutures, like gut or chromic gut, are broken down by enzymatic degradation, where the body’s enzymes digest the material.
The timeline for these sutures to completely dissolve varies significantly based on the material used and individual healing rates. Plain gut sutures may begin dissolving within 5 to 7 days and be fully absorbed in about 7 to 10 days. Chromic gut sutures generally take 10 to 14 days to break down, with full absorption sometimes extending up to 21 days.
Synthetic sutures like polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) typically dissolve within 7 to 14 days, though some PGA sutures may take up to 3 to 4 weeks for complete absorption. The moist environment and enzymes in saliva within the mouth can accelerate this dissolution compared to stitches elsewhere on the body. As sutures dissolve, patients might notice them loosening or small fragments coming out, which is a normal part of the process.
Post-Procedure Care and What to Expect
Proper post-procedure care is important for optimal healing, regardless of whether you have absorbable or non-absorbable sutures. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important, including gentle brushing around the surgical site and rinsing with warm salt water after the initial 24 hours, as advised by your dentist.
It is also advisable to consume soft foods and avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy items that could irritate the surgical site or dislodge the sutures. Avoid poking the area with your tongue or fingers.
While absorbable sutures are designed to dissolve, they might not always disappear as expected. If sutures are still present after two weeks, or are causing discomfort, contact your dentist. In some cases, the body might reject a suture, pushing the material out rather than absorbing it. Your dentist can easily remove any lingering or problematic sutures.
It is important to monitor the surgical site for any signs of complications, such as excessive or persistent pain, increased swelling, redness, pus formation, a foul taste or odor, or fever. If any of these symptoms develop, contact your dental professional promptly to prevent further issues and ensure proper healing.