Dissolvable Stitches in Mouth: Everything You Need to Know

Dissolvable stitches are an excellent option for people who undergo surgical procedures. Unlike traditional stitches, dissolvable stitches dissolve independently and do not require special care. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about dissolvable stitches in the mouth. We will talk about the benefits of using them, the different types available, and how to care for them after surgery.

Benefits of using dissolvable stitches

There are several benefits of using dissolvable stitches in the mouth. First, they do not need to be removed by a doctor; second, they can be placed in hard-to-reach surgical sites, e.g., after tooth removal. Third, they are ideal for placement inside the body for wound closure. This eliminates the risk of infection or other complications associated with traditional stitches.

Types of dissolvable stitches

Several types of dissolvable stitches are available, each with benefits and drawbacks. Dissolvable stitches are made from materials that are readily absorbed into the skin. Synthetic materials include Polydioxanone, Polyglycolic acid, Polyglyconate, and Polylactic acid.

Natural materials include sheep intestines, purified catgut, collagen, cow intestines, and silk. It slowly dissolves in the presence of moisture and does not leave any residue behind. These dissolve entirely over time without leaving any harmful residues behind.

When are dissolvable stitches used?

Dissolvable stitches are used after many surgical procedures. eg, Oral surgery, where they are used after wisdom tooth removal to close the gum tissue flap. They are also used in Knee replacement surgeries and breast cancer tumor removal surgeries. Dissolvable stitches are also sometimes used after Cesarean delivery, some doctors prefer staples while others prefer absorbable sutures. They are an excellent option for people who have allergies to traditional sutures or for those who want to avoid the hassle of removing stitches later on.

How to care for dissolvable stitches after surgery

After surgery, it is essential to keep the wound clean and dry. You should avoid eating or drinking anything that will come into contact with the stitches. If Wisdom tooth removal is done on one side, try and eat from the other side of the mouth. It would be best if you kept the area free from bacterial contamination. If you have any questions about caring for your stitches, please carefully listen to your doctor’s instructions and seek his help.

Wisdom tooth removal: Aftercare Basics

After Wisdom teeth removal surgery, the patient should start taking postoperative care of the gum tissue site. Before the anesthesia wears off, you will get clear instructions on cleaning the area and what type of oral hygiene you need to practice.

The surgical site will be sore for a few days, so it is best to avoid eating anything that would cause pain or discomfort. Soft foods and liquids should be consumed until the healing process is complete. Patients are typically advised not to brush their teeth in the immediate postoperative period because this could dislodge the blood clot and delay healing. Gentle rinsing with salt water or mouthwash may be done instead. Ice chips can also help reduce swelling after surgery.

Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully and keep track of any symptoms, such as bleeding, discharge, redness, swelling, pain, or fever. The suture site should remain bacteria-free. Never try to pick on a loose suture on your own; always use sterile equipment and take help from your dentist to remove the residual suture at the site.

How long does it take for stitches to dissolve?

Dissolvable stitches will gradually dissolve and disappear after tooth extraction and wound closure. This varies depending on the type of stitch used, the amount of moisture in the area, and the body’s natural healing process. Most stitches will completely dissolve within two to four weeks. If any residue is still present after this time, it can be gently removed with water.

Gum tissue flaps and suture placement

Many Oral surgery cases require Gum tissue flaps to be removed to access the tooth or teeth being removed. The flap of gum tissue is folded back to reveal the underlying bone and soft tissues. This allows for a clear view of the surgical site and helps to prevent bacteria from entering the wound.

The flap of gum tissue is then sutured back in place with dissolvable stitches. These stitches will gradually dissolve and disappear, leaving no harmful residues behind. It is essential to keep the area clean and dry until they have completely dissolved.

How stitches affect wound healing

Stitches play an essential role in wound healing. They help to hold the wound’s edges together and promote tissue growth. This helps to prevent excessive scarring and speeds up the healing process.

Dissolvable stitches are an excellent option for promoting fast, healthy wound healing after tooth extraction. They are gentle on the tissue, dissolve entirely without leaving any residues behind, and do not require special care or maintenance.

Placing stitches:

Placing sutures is a technical job that Oral surgeons are trained for. After tooth extraction, your surgeon will clean the area thoroughly with saltwater or plain water. This will remove bacteria and clean away any debris. The surgeon may also examine the bone underneath if it needs contouring.

The surgeon will then select the appropriate size and type of suture. The needle is threaded with the suture, and the surgeon begins to place the stitches.

The placement of each stitch is critical for a successful outcome. Incorrect placement can lead to wound dehiscence (tearing), excessive scarring, or other complications.

Sutures are typically placed in a zigzag pattern so that they hold the tissue firmly together while allowing it to grow back together naturally. Putting them too close together can inhibit this process, so careful attention must be paid to their placement.

What to know about dissolvable stitches:

Dissolvable stitches completely dissolve on their own because of our body’s immune system, It treats the suture as a foreign object and tries to get rid of it as soon as possible. The body’s ability to break down the stitches depends on several factors, including:

– The type of stitch used

– How moist the area is

– The size and depth of the wound

– Body composition (some people are better at breaking down stitches than others)

Generally, most dissolvable stitches will completely dissolve within two to four weeks. If any residue is still present after this time, it can be gently removed with water.

Suture removal:

Dissolvable sutures do not require special care or maintenance. Once they have dissolved and disappeared, there is no need for them to be removed. However, if you experience any problems or complications related to their placement after wisdom teeth removal, call your surgeon and carefully listen to the doctor’s instructions.

What to do if you see a loose stitch?

If you see a loose stitch, don’t pull on it! This can cause more damage and may delay the healing process. Leave it alone and let your body take care of it. The stitch will eventually dissolve and fall out on its own. Most stitches will completely dissolve within two to four weeks after surgery. If there is still some residue left after that time, it can be gently removed with water. Dissolvable stitches play an essential role in wound healing by holding the surgical incisions of the wound together and promoting tissue growth.

What are the Cons of using absorbable sutures?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Some doctors prefer absorbable sutures to traditional stitches. Others may feel that they are not as strong or durable as conventional stitches. There is also a small risk of the stitch becoming embedded in the tissue, requiring surgical removal. At a time, it was believed that absorbable sutures opened a wound more rather than approximating the tissue flap.

Sometimes, your body may be allergic to the suture material, leading to wound complications such as irritation, swelling, and redness.

Can I remove my absorbable sutures on my own?

It would be best if you never tried to cut or remove absorbable or traditional sutures on your own after any surgical procedure. Removing stitches too soon can result in infection, delayed healing, or other complications. It can also reopen your wound, cause scarring, bleeding, infection, poor healing, and may cause you more trips to your doctor.

One of the reasons you may want to remove the stitch is that sometimes the incision site can be itchy. If this is the case, consult with your doctor before taking action. You can also take measures to relieve the itch on your doctor’s recommendation, such as using a cold compress, over-the-counter antihistamines, or moisturizing lotion.

The takeaway:

Dissolvable sutures are used in many surgical procedures, from childbirth to wisdom teeth removal. They play an essential role in wound healing by holding the surgical incisions of the wound together and promoting tissue growth. Most stitches will completely dissolve within two to four weeks after surgery.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/dissolvable-stitches#loose-stitches

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-absorbable-sutures

https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-are-absorbable-sutures-3156838