Gum graft surgery moves tissue to cover a receded gum line, protecting the exposed tooth root, reducing sensitivity, and improving appearance. Stitches (sutures) hold the transplanted tissue securely during the initial healing phase. This stabilization allows the graft to establish a new blood supply and integrate with the surrounding tissue.
Dissolvable Versus Non-Dissolvable Sutures and Timelines
The length of time stitches remain in place is determined by the type of suture material selected. Surgeons primarily use two categories: resorbable (dissolvable) and non-resorbable (non-dissolvable) materials. The choice depends on the surgical technique, graft location, and desired healing timeline.
Dissolvable sutures are made from materials like polyglycolic acid (PGA) or chromic gut, designed to break down naturally over time. These materials degrade, eliminating the need for a follow-up appointment for removal. They typically disappear completely within one to three weeks, though they often loosen around seven to ten days.
Non-dissolvable sutures are crafted from materials such as silk or nylon, which the body cannot break down. These sutures are left in place to provide support and stability for the graft site for a specific duration. When used, a follow-up appointment is required, and they are removed between seven and fourteen days post-surgery. This timeframe ensures the new gum tissue has sufficient time to begin integration before the physical support is withdrawn.
What If Stitches Fall Out Before They Should?
Premature loss of a suture can occasionally happen after a gum graft. If a single, loose thread falls out several days after surgery, it is often a minor event, especially if a dissolvable suture was used and healing is already underway. This loosening can indicate that the underlying tissue has healed enough that the immediate support of that stitch is no longer necessary.
Concern escalates if multiple sutures come out simultaneously or if the graft appears visibly displaced or loose. The integrity of the graft is most vulnerable in the first few days, before new blood vessels connect the transplanted tissue to the recipient site. If you notice significant bleeding, sudden increased pain, or an obvious shift in the graft’s position, contact your surgeon immediately.
Early intervention is necessary if structural support is lost before the graft has stabilized. The surgeon will assess whether the premature loss has compromised the graft’s survival or if healing is progressing well despite the missing support. Avoid pulling on any loose threads yourself, as this action can unintentionally unravel remaining stitches and disturb the delicate new tissue integration.
What Happens During the Removal Appointment?
If non-dissolvable sutures were used, a specific appointment is scheduled for their removal, typically one to two weeks after the gum graft. This procedure is quick and does not require local anesthesia, as it causes minimal discomfort. The surgeon uses small instruments, such as fine tweezers and scissors, to snip the thread near the knot and gently pull the suture out.
Patients usually report feeling a slight tugging or tickling sensation as the thread is eased free, but not actual pain. The sensation is brief because the stitches secure only the superficial layer of the gum tissue and are not deeply embedded. The entire removal process for a typical graft site is often completed in just a few minutes.
The removal appointment serves as a scheduled check-up for the surgeon. During this time, they thoroughly inspect the surgical site to confirm that the graft has successfully integrated and that initial healing is progressing as expected. This inspection confirms the transplanted tissue is securely attached and allows the patient to transition to the next stages of their post-operative oral hygiene routine.