Dissolvable stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, are commonly used in oral surgeries to help wounds heal without manual removal. These specialized stitches are made from materials the body naturally breaks down over time. Their use in procedures like tooth extractions or gum grafts aids in closing incisions, promoting proper healing, and minimizing infection risk. This convenience eliminates the need for a follow-up appointment to have the stitches taken out, contributing to a smoother recovery experience.
Typical Dissolution Timelines
The timeframe for dissolvable stitches to disappear in the mouth can vary, ranging from a few days to several weeks. For many common oral procedures, stitches might dissolve within 7 to 14 days. For instance, after a wisdom tooth extraction, stitches often take about 7 to 10 days to fall out or fully dissolve. In some cases, they may take longer, up to a month.
Different materials have distinct dissolution rates. Polyglycolic Acid (PGA) stitches, a common synthetic type, usually dissolve within 7 to 10 days. Chromic gut sutures often take around 10 to 14 days to dissolve. For gum grafts, stitches made from polyglactin or nylon generally disappear within one to three weeks.
Factors Affecting Dissolution
Several factors influence how quickly dissolvable stitches break down in the mouth. The type of suture material plays a significant role, as different materials degrade at varying rates. For example, plain gut sutures may dissolve within 5 to 7 days, while PGA sutures can take up to 30 days for full absorption. Synthetic materials like Vicryl (polyglactin 910) are known for predictable absorption, dissolving between 60 to 90 days, though a faster-absorbing variant, Vicryl Rapide, fully dissolves by 14 days.
The location of the stitches in the mouth also affects their dissolution rate. Areas with good blood flow, like the gums, tend to heal faster, leading to quicker stitch dissolution, often within 7 to 10 days. Stitches in areas with less blood flow or more movement, such as the inner cheek or tongue, might take longer to dissolve, sometimes 10 to 14 days. The individual’s healing rate, body chemistry, and the presence of saliva and oral enzymes also contribute to the breakdown process. Saliva and enzymes naturally help degrade the suture material.
Caring for Stitches and What to Expect
Proper care of dissolvable stitches supports effective healing. Gentle oral hygiene practices are recommended, such as careful brushing around the surgical site with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding direct contact with the stitches. Rinsing gently with warm salt water, as advised by your dentist, can help keep the area clean and promote healing, but aggressive swishing or spitting should be avoided.
Dietary adjustments are beneficial; consuming soft foods for the initial days after the procedure can prevent irritation or dislodging the stitches. Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or hot foods, as these can disturb the healing area. Patients might notice the stitches feeling loose or small fragments coming out as they dissolve, which is a normal part of the process. Resist the urge to prod, pick at, or pull on the stitches, as this can disrupt healing or introduce bacteria.
When to Contact Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon
Certain signs warrant contacting your dentist or oral surgeon. Persistent or worsening pain that does not improve after a few days, or pain not controlled by medication, should be reported. Swelling that increases, does not subside, or is accompanied by redness spreading beyond the surgical site, can indicate a problem.
Other concerning symptoms include pus or foul odor from the surgical site, a bad taste in the mouth, or fever, all of which can signal an infection. If stitches come out too early, before adequate healing has occurred, or if they do not dissolve after a prolonged period (e.g., more than two weeks), a dental professional should be consulted. Difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing, or swollen glands, also require immediate evaluation.