Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, and stitches are often used to aid healing. These sutures close the wound, promote tissue healing, and create a barrier against food particles and bacteria that could lead to complications. Stitches also help control bleeding by holding tissue together and stabilizing the blood clot in the empty socket. They are particularly beneficial in complex extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, or when gum tissue requires repositioning.
Understanding Dissolvable Stitches
Dissolvable stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, are made from specialized materials the body naturally absorbs. This eliminates the need for manual removal. These sutures are commonly synthetic polymers like polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), polyglactin (Vicryl), or polydioxanone (PDS). Natural materials, such as purified catgut, are also used.
Stitches break down through hydrolysis, where water molecules degrade the material, or enzymatic degradation, involving the body’s natural enzymes. This controlled process ensures stitches support initial healing and disappear as the wound strengthens. Dissolvable stitches are favored in dentistry because they are less invasive and simplify patient recovery.
Typical Dissolution Timelines and Influencing Factors
Dissolvable stitches typically disappear after tooth extraction within 3 to 14 days, though some may take up to a month. This timeline varies based on several factors. The specific stitch material is a primary determinant; for instance, plain gut sutures dissolve within 5 to 7 days, while some synthetics like Vicryl can take 60 to 90 days, though faster-absorbing variants exist.
The location of the stitches also influences dissolution. Areas with increased blood flow or movement, like the tongue, may see variations. Saliva, containing enzymes, contributes to degradation. An individual’s healing rate, influenced by overall health, immune function, and metabolism, can also affect how quickly stitches dissolve. The suture’s thickness and size, and the extraction’s complexity, also play a role.
Caring for Your Mouth During Healing
Proper care of the extraction site is important for healing while stitches dissolve. Gentle oral hygiene prevents complications and supports the dissolution process. Brush teeth carefully, avoiding direct contact with the stitched area. After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean and promote healing, but avoid vigorous swishing or spitting. Also, avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes, as they can irritate healing tissues.
Dietary adjustments are also necessary. Consume soft foods and avoid hot, crunchy, chewy, or seedy items, which can dislodge stitches or irritate the wound. Chew on the opposite side of the mouth. Avoid smoking or drinking through a straw, as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot, potentially causing dry socket or delaying healing. Rest for the first 24 to 48 hours and keep the head elevated to manage swelling. Applying ice packs to the face during the first 36 hours can also reduce swelling.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While dissolvable stitches usually manage themselves, contact a dentist in specific situations. Seek professional advice for excessive or persistent bleeding that does not subside with gentle pressure. Uncontrolled pain that worsens or does not improve with prescribed medication is also a concern.
Signs of infection warrant immediate dental attention. These include:
Increasing redness, swelling, or warmth around the extraction site
Presence of pus or unusual discharge
Foul taste or odor in the mouth
Fever, chills, or swollen glands
Consult a dentist if stitches appear to come out too early and the wound reopens or bleeds. Also, if stitches have not dissolved after a significantly longer period than expected (typically two weeks), or if they cause irritation, contact the dental office for evaluation. Any other unusual symptoms, such as difficulty swallowing, difficulty opening the mouth, or persistent numbness, should also prompt a call to the dentist.