Dissolvable stitches are a common solution used in oral procedures to help tissues heal after surgery or injury. These specialized sutures secure wound edges, promoting proper healing without the need for manual removal. As the body recovers, these stitches gradually disappear on their own.
What Dissolvable Stitches Are
Dissolvable stitches are crafted from materials the body naturally breaks down and absorbs. Synthetic polymers like polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), and polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) are frequently used. Natural materials, such as purified animal collagen (catgut), are also used. These materials are selected for their strength, flexibility, and predictable absorption rates.
The breakdown process varies by composition. Synthetic materials dissolve through hydrolysis, a chemical reaction where water molecules in the body break down the suture material’s chemical bonds. Natural materials, like catgut, are absorbed through enzymatic degradation, where the body’s enzymes break down the suture into smaller components.
How Long Dissolvable Stitches Last
The time it takes for dissolvable stitches in the mouth to disappear is not uniform and can vary significantly. Generally, they can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to dissolve completely. Several factors influence this timeline, including the type of material used. Different materials have distinct absorption rates; for instance, polyglycolic acid (PGA) typically dissolves within 60 to 90 days, while polylactic acid (PLA) may take 90 to 120 days. Catgut sutures typically dissolve within 10 to 21 days.
The thickness and size of the stitches also play a role, as thicker sutures generally take longer to dissolve. The specific location within the mouth can affect the dissolution rate; areas with more saliva flow or movement might influence how quickly the stitches break down. An individual’s overall healing rate, influenced by their health and immune function, also impacts the process. Maintaining good oral hygiene is important because poor hygiene can potentially delay or complicate the dissolution process. Any infection or complication at the surgical site can also alter the expected timeline for stitch dissolution.
Caring for Stitches and Expected Changes
Proper care for dissolvable stitches in the mouth is important to ensure a smooth healing process. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. This includes gentle brushing around the surgical site with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid dislodging stitches or irritating the area. Rinsing the mouth gently with a warm saltwater solution (half a teaspoon of salt in warm water) can help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection. However, vigorous swishing should be avoided.
Dietary considerations are also important during the healing period. Consume soft foods and avoid hot, spicy, or sharp items that could irritate the stitches or the healing wound. As the stitches begin to dissolve, patients might notice a decreased tightness in the wound area, or even small fragments of the suture material becoming visible. It is normal to experience mild itching or discomfort as the stitches break down. This process is typically gradual and should not be painful.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While dissolvable stitches are designed to disappear on their own, certain signs and symptoms warrant contacting a dentist or oral surgeon. Excessive pain or swelling that goes beyond typical post-operative discomfort should be reported. Persistent bleeding that is more than minor oozing also requires professional attention.
Signs of infection, such as increased redness around the stitches, pus, a foul taste or smell in the mouth, or a fever, indicate a need for medical evaluation. If stitches appear to be coming out too early, especially if the wound opens or begins bleeding, consult a healthcare provider. If the stitches remain intact well past the typical timeframe for dissolution and are causing irritation, professional advice should be sought. Patients should never attempt to remove the stitches themselves.