Dental procedures often involve stitches to aid healing. While some require removal, many are designed to dissolve naturally within the mouth over time, simplifying the post-procedure experience.
Understanding Dissolvable Stitches
Dissolvable dental stitches, or absorbable sutures, are specialized threads used to close wounds or incisions in the mouth. Crafted from materials the body gradually breaks down and absorbs, they eliminate the need for a separate removal appointment. They hold tissues in place during initial healing, ensuring correct healing and reducing complications.
These sutures are made from synthetic polymers (e.g., polyglactin, polyglycolic acid) or natural materials like chromic gut. Synthetic stitches dissolve through hydrolysis, where water molecules break down the material. Natural stitches, like chromic gut, dissolve through enzymatic breakdown. This self-dissolving property offers convenience for many dental surgeries.
Factors Influencing Dissolution Time
The time for dissolvable dental stitches to disappear varies significantly, from a few days to several weeks. Material is a primary factor; for example, polyglactin sutures often dissolve within 7-10 days, nylon within 14 days. Other synthetics like polyglycolic acid (PGA) dissolve in one to two weeks, while polylactic acid (PLA) or polydioxanone (PDO) may take several weeks.
Stitch size and thickness influence dissolution rate, with larger stitches taking longer. Location also plays a role; stitches in areas with good blood flow, like the gums, dissolve faster (7-10 days) than those on the inner cheek or tongue (10-14 days). Individual patient factors, such as overall health, immune function, and healing rate, also affect dissolution speed.
Care and What to Expect During Dissolution
Proper care ensures a smooth healing process while dental stitches dissolve. Maintain gentle oral hygiene, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brushing carefully around the stitches to prevent infection. Warm saltwater rinses (half a teaspoon of salt in warm water) can reduce inflammation and soothe discomfort when swished gently a few times daily after the initial 24 hours. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting, as this can dislodge blood clots or stitches.
You might notice stitches feeling loose or slightly uncomfortable. It is normal to feel small fragments coming off as they dissolve. Avoid disturbing the stitches by picking at them, as this can interrupt healing. Stick to a soft diet, avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could irritate the surgical site or prematurely pull on the stitches.
Contact your dentist if you experience persistent or worsening pain unresponsive to medication, or signs of infection such as fever, increased swelling, redness, or pus around the stitch site. Also contact your dentist if stitches come out too early, the wound opens, or they do not dissolve as expected within two weeks.