Dental sutures, commonly known as stitches, are placed in the mouth after procedures like tooth extractions, gum grafting, or implant surgery to aid healing. Their primary function is to hold the edges of the gum tissue together, stabilizing the surgical site and allowing the underlying tissue to heal. Sutures are categorized into two main types: absorbable and non-absorbable. Absorbable sutures break down naturally over days or weeks and do not require removal. Non-absorbable sutures, such as those made from silk or nylon, must be manually removed by a dental professional, typically seven to fourteen days after surgery.
Understanding the Sensation During Removal
The removal of non-absorbable sutures typically causes little to no sharp pain. By the time sutures are ready for removal, the surgical site has healed enough that the tissue edges are closed, meaning the stitches are no longer under tension. Since the suture material does not contain nerve endings, cutting and removing the thread does not trigger a pain response.
Patients generally report a sensation of light pulling, tugging, or a gentle tickle as the thread is eased out. This sensation is similar to dental floss moving through a tight contact point between teeth. The entire procedure is very fast, often lasting only one or two minutes for several stitches, which minimizes discomfort. While local anesthesia is rarely needed, a topical numbing gel can be applied if a patient has high anxiety or a particularly sensitive area.
The Step-by-Step Removal Procedure
The removal appointment begins with a visual inspection of the surgical site to confirm adequate healing and check for complications. The area around the stitches is gently cleaned with an antiseptic solution or saline rinse to remove accumulated debris. A dental professional uses two specialized, sterile instruments: small surgical scissors and cotton pliers or forceps.
The dental professional uses the pliers to gently lift the suture knot away from the gum tissue. They then slide the scissors under the exposed thread and snip the suture close to the tissue surface, avoiding the knot itself. This technique ensures that only the clean, non-exposed part of the thread is pulled through the healing gum. The pliers are then used to gently pull the knot and the attached thread completely out.
Aftercare Following Suture Removal
Once sutures are removed, the initial phase of healing is complete, but the area still requires gentle care to prevent irritation. It is normal for the site to feel slightly sensitive or tender for a day or two following the procedure. Patients should continue gentle brushing in the area and avoid aggressively prodding the site with their tongue or fingers.
Rinsing the mouth with a warm salt water solution (about half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water) several times a day is recommended. This gentle rinsing helps keep the site clean and aids in reducing minor inflammation without disrupting the newly healed tissue. While minor spotting or light bleeding is possible immediately after removal, excessive bleeding or sharp, persistent pain should prompt a call to the dental office.