Dissolvable oral stitches are used to close surgical incisions inside the mouth after procedures like tooth extractions, biopsies, or gum surgery. Their primary purpose is to hold the edges of the tissue together, protecting the wound site and facilitating initial healing without requiring a follow-up visit for removal. The material is designed to lose its strength and disappear naturally as the body heals the wound underneath. Predicting the exact moment of dissolution is impossible because the time frame varies significantly based on the specific material chosen by the surgeon.
Understanding Oral Suture Materials
The composition of the suture material is the greatest determinant of how long it takes to dissolve. Oral surgeons typically choose from two broad categories of absorbable materials: natural and synthetic. Natural sutures, such as Chromic Gut, are made from purified collagen derived from animal intestines and are broken down through the body’s proteolytic enzymes. This degradation process can sometimes trigger a slightly greater inflammatory response from the surrounding tissue.
Synthetic sutures, like polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polyglactin 910 (often sold as Vicryl), are manufactured polymers designed for predictable absorption. These materials dissolve primarily through a chemical process called hydrolysis, where water molecules in the tissue break down the polymer chains. Synthetic options are often preferred because their breakdown process tends to be more consistent and results in a milder tissue reaction.
Typical Dissolution Timelines
The entire process of absorption, from the initial loss of tensile strength to complete disappearance, can range from a few days to several weeks. Fast-absorbing gut sutures, for instance, are treated to break down quickly, often losing their ability to hold tissue within five to seven days, and may be completely gone within one to two weeks. Chromic Gut, a common choice for dental surgery, is chemically treated to slow its absorption, typically maintaining its structural integrity for about 10 to 14 days before it begins to dissolve away.
Synthetic materials generally offer a more prolonged and predictable timeline. Vicryl sutures, a common synthetic type, often retain sufficient strength for two to three weeks, with complete absorption occurring over 30 to 60 days. Polyglycolic acid sutures follow a similar pattern, supporting the wound for several weeks while the material is fully absorbed within approximately 30 to 45 days.
As the material breaks down, patients may notice small, thread-like fragments of the suture loosening and falling out of their mouth. This is a normal part of the process and indicates that the wound has healed enough to no longer need the physical support of the stitch.
Factors Influencing Suture Longevity
Beyond the type of material, several local and systemic factors influence the speed at which a suture dissolves in the mouth. Constant exposure to saliva, which contains enzymes and moisture, contributes to the faster breakdown of both natural and synthetic materials.
The location of the suture within the mouth also plays a role; stitches placed in highly mobile areas, such as the lip or tongue, may experience more tension and friction, which can cause them to loosen or fall out prematurely. A patient’s overall health and metabolic rate affect how quickly the body processes and absorbs the material. Conditions that affect healing, such as diabetes or a compromised immune system, may alter the expected timeline for absorption.
Recognizing Post-Procedure Complications
While dissolvable stitches are generally reliable, it is important to monitor the surgical site for signs that healing is not progressing normally. Contacting your dental professional is necessary if you observe symptoms that could indicate an infection or a complication.
If you observe symptoms that could indicate an infection or complication, contact your dental professional immediately. These symptoms include:
- An increasing or persistent fever, especially if it rises above 100.4°F (38°C).
- Pain that intensifies or fails to improve after the first three to four days of recovery.
- Increased swelling that spreads beyond the initial surgical area or pus (thick, yellowish, or green discharge).
- Excessive bleeding that continues for more than 24 hours after the procedure, or if the surgical site appears to open up or gape.
Addressing these issues quickly ensures that the complication does not interfere with the long-term healing of the tissue.