how long for mouth stitches to dissolve

3 min read 20-01-2025

Meta Description: Discover how long it takes for dissolvable stitches in your mouth to disappear completely. Learn about the types of stitches used, the healing process, and what to expect during recovery. This comprehensive guide answers all your questions about oral surgery recovery.

Understanding Dissolvable Mouth Stitches

Dissolvable stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, are frequently used in oral surgery. These specialized stitches are designed to break down and dissolve naturally within your body over time. This eliminates the need for a follow-up appointment to have them removed. This is a significant advantage for patients, reducing discomfort and saving time.

Types of Dissolving Stitches

Several types of dissolvable stitches exist, each with its own absorption rate. The type your oral surgeon chooses will depend on various factors, including the location and type of surgery performed. The surgeon will likely use materials like:

Plain gut: A natural suture that dissolves relatively quickly.
Chromic gut: A slightly modified version of plain gut, offering a somewhat slower absorption rate.
Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl): A synthetic suture that absorbs more gradually.
Polydioxanone (PDS): Another synthetic option known for its slow absorption.

The specific material used will impact the timeline for complete absorption. Always discuss the type of suture used with your surgeon.

How Long Does It Take for Mouth Stitches to Dissolve?

The time it takes for your mouth stitches to dissolve completely varies based on several crucial factors:

Type of suture material: As mentioned, different materials absorb at different speeds.
Location of the stitches: Stitches in areas with more blood flow (like the gum line) may dissolve quicker than those in other places.
Individual healing process: Each patient heals at a unique rate. General health and lifestyle factors influence healing time.

Generally, you can expect the following:

Plain gut stitches: These can dissolve within 5 to 10 days.
Chromic gut stitches: These typically dissolve within 7 to 14 days.
Polyglactin 910 (Vicryl) stitches: These usually dissolve over 2 to 4 weeks.
Polydioxanone (PDS) stitches: These might take 60 to 90 days (2 to 3 months) to fully dissolve.

Important Note: While the stitches themselves dissolve, the healing process in the mouth takes longer. Full healing can take several weeks, or even months, depending on the extent of the procedure.

What to Expect During the Healing Process

During the healing period, you can expect some discomfort and changes in your mouth. This is completely normal. Here’s what to anticipate:

Initial swelling and bruising: This is common, particularly after more extensive procedures.
Some pain and tenderness: Your dentist or surgeon will provide pain relief options.
Numbness: This will gradually subside as healing progresses.
Slight bleeding: A small amount of blood-tinged saliva or minor bleeding is normal in the early days.

It's crucial to follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully. These instructions usually include:

Specific dietary restrictions: Soft foods are often recommended initially.
Oral hygiene guidelines: Gentle rinsing is usually advised. Avoid vigorous brushing near the surgical site.
Medication instructions: Take prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics (if prescribed) as directed.
Follow-up appointments: Attend all scheduled appointments to monitor healing progress.

When to Contact Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon

While some discomfort is expected, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately if you experience any of the following:

Excessive bleeding: More than a minor amount of blood-tinged saliva.
Severe pain that isn't controlled by medication: Intense, unbearable pain warrants immediate attention.
Signs of infection: Pus, increased swelling, or redness.
Difficulty swallowing or breathing: These are serious symptoms requiring prompt medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will I feel the stitches dissolving? A: Usually, you won't feel the stitches dissolving. The process is gradual and painless.

Q: What happens if a stitch doesn't dissolve? A: Rarely, a stitch may not dissolve completely. If this happens, your dentist can easily remove it at a follow-up appointment.

Q: Can I speed up the dissolving process? A: No, you shouldn't try to speed up the dissolving process. Allowing the stitches to dissolve naturally ensures proper healing.

Q: How long does it take for the area to completely heal? A: While stitches dissolve relatively quickly, complete tissue healing takes significantly longer — often several weeks or even months.

By following your dentist's instructions and understanding the healing process, you can ensure a smooth recovery after oral surgery with dissolvable stitches. Remember that your body's healing rate is unique, so patience is key. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact your oral surgeon or dentist.