Understanding Dissolvable Stitches
Dissolvable stitches, or absorbable sutures, are specialized threads used in oral surgery that break down naturally. They close incisions or wounds in the mouth after procedures like tooth extractions, gum surgeries, or dental implant placements. Their purpose is to hold tissues together, promoting healing and reducing complications like bleeding or infection.
Unlike traditional stitches requiring manual removal, dissolvable sutures are absorbed by the body’s natural processes. Materials include synthetic polymers like polyglactin (Vicryl), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), or polydioxanone (PDO). Some are natural, such as purified collagen from animal intestines (plain gut or chromic gut sutures). The body gradually breaks down these materials through hydrolysis or enzymatic degradation, eliminating the need for removal.
Typical Dissolution Timelines
The time for dissolvable mouth stitches to disappear varies, from a few days to several weeks, depending on the material and procedure. Plain gut sutures, from natural sources, often dissolve quickly (5-10 days). Chromic gut sutures, treated to slow breakdown, take longer (10-14 days, sometimes up to 21 days).
Synthetic sutures also vary. Polyglycolic acid (PGA) stitches dissolve within one to four weeks. Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) often begins to dissolve within 7 to 14 days, with full absorption taking several weeks (up to 56-70 days). Most common dental sutures begin to dissolve within 3 to 14 days, often disappearing completely around 7 to 14 days. Stitches gradually soften and break down rather than falling out all at once.
Factors Affecting Dissolution
Several elements influence how quickly mouth stitches dissolve. The suture material’s type and size are key; different materials degrade at different rates, and thicker stitches take longer. Location also plays a role: sutures in areas with more movement (e.g., tongue, gums) or exposed to higher moisture and salivary enzymes may dissolve faster, while those placed deeper or in areas with less blood flow might take longer.
An individual’s healing rate affects dissolution. Overall health, age, nutrition, and immune response influence suture breakdown. Good oral hygiene contributes to a cleaner healing environment, which may accelerate dissolution, while infections or certain health conditions can slow it down.
Caring for Your Mouth During Dissolution
Proper care of the surgical site is important while mouth stitches dissolve. Avoid rinsing your mouth for at least 24 hours after surgery to allow initial healing and clot formation. After this, gentle rinsing with warm salt water several times a day helps keep the area clean and promote healing. When rinsing, avoid vigorous swishing or spitting, as this can dislodge blood clots or stitches.
Maintain gentle oral hygiene; brush teeth carefully, especially around the surgical site, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Dietary modifications are also recommended: consume soft foods that do not require excessive chewing, and avoid hot, hard, or crunchy foods for a few days to prevent irritation or dislodging stitches. Also avoid habits like drinking through a straw, smoking, or consuming alcohol, as these can disrupt healing and increase complication risk.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While dissolving stitches are designed for a smooth recovery, signs indicate professional dental advice is necessary. Contact your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience excessive or persistent pain not responding to medication, or if swelling worsens after the first few days. Other concerning symptoms include persistent bleeding, pus or a foul odor from the surgical site, or a fever.
Also seek guidance if stitches appear to be coming out too early, especially if accompanied by bleeding or the wound reopening. Conversely, if stitches do not show signs of dissolving or are still present after two weeks or beyond the expected timeline, a dental professional should assess the situation. If a loose stitch causes irritation, consult your surgeon rather than attempting to remove it yourself.