Stitches in the mouth after a dental procedure are common and designed to dissolve on their own, aiding a comfortable recovery. Understanding how these sutures work can help alleviate concerns during healing.
Understanding Dissolvable Stitches
Dissolvable stitches, also known as resorbable sutures, are crafted from materials the body naturally breaks down and absorbs. These can be synthetic polymers like polyglycolic acid (PGA), polyglactin, polylactic acid (PLA), or polydioxanone (PDO). Some are natural, like purified collagen from animal intestines (catgut). Dentists use these stitches for procedures like tooth extractions, gum surgeries, and implant placements, as they eliminate the need for removal and suit the oral cavity’s moist environment.
The Natural Dissolution Process
Dissolvable stitches break down through specific biological mechanisms. Synthetic sutures dissolve via hydrolysis, where water molecules break down the polymer material. Natural sutures, like catgut, are broken down by enzymatic degradation. This gradual process secures wound edges during initial healing.
Dissolution typically ranges from 7 to 14 days, though some take several weeks. Factors influencing this include material, stitch size, location, and individual healing rates. For instance, polyglactin stitches often dissolve within 7-10 days.
Directly Addressing Faster Dissolution
Attempting to manually speed up stitch dissolution is not recommended and can be counterproductive. Interfering with stitches by picking, pulling, or excessive rinsing beyond instructions can lead to complications. This can open the wound, delay recovery, or increase discomfort.
Such actions also elevate infection risk, as bacteria can enter a disturbed surgical site. Stitches are designed to dissolve at an optimal rate, supporting proper tissue healing and wound closure. Allowing them to break down naturally ensures the surgical area remains protected and heals effectively.
Supporting Overall Healing and Comfort
While you cannot safely accelerate stitch dissolution, you can promote a healthy healing environment that supports the natural process. Maintain gentle oral hygiene by carefully brushing around the surgical site, avoiding direct contact with stitches initially. Your dentist may advise gentle warm salt water rinses several times daily after 24 hours; this keeps the area clean and reduces bacteria without dislodging blood clots.
Dietary considerations also aid comfort and healing. Choose soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods, and refrain from straws, which can dislodge blood clots. Avoiding smoking and alcohol during recovery is important, as these impede healing and increase complication risk.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Recognizing signs of complication is important. Contact your dental professional if you experience persistent or worsening pain not managed by medication. Increased swelling, significant redness, pus, or a foul odor could indicate infection. Bleeding that continues heavily beyond the first day or two, or premature stitch removal exposing the wound, also warrants immediate attention. Your dentist is the best resource for addressing healing concerns.