After procedures such as surgical tooth extractions, impacted tooth extractions, cyst operations and implant surgeries, the gum is usually closed with stitches. Stitches help hold the gum edges together, protect the blood clot and allow healing to progress steadily. However, many patients have questions about how to clean the stitched area, when the stitches will be removed or what to do if they come undone. Having accurate information about stitch care after extraction allows you to go through the healing process more comfortably and safely. As DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic, we have prepared a practical guide for our patients in Türkiye.
Why Are Stitches Placed?
Bringing tissue edges together: Keeping the gum edges close together speeds up healing.
Bleeding control: It contributes to controlling bleeding, especially in patients using blood thinners.
Protecting the clot and graft: It helps the blood clot or the placed bone graft stay in place.
Reducing the risk of infection: Reducing the open wound surface limits the entry of bacteria.
Types of Stitches
Dissolving (Absorbable) Stitches
These are stitches that are absorbed by the body over time or fall out on their own. They usually dissolve or fall out within a few days to a few weeks; a separate appointment for stitch removal may not be needed. However, your dentist may still plan a check-up appointment to evaluate healing.
Non-Dissolving Stitches
These are stitches that need to be removed by the dentist after a certain period. They are usually removed between one week and ten days. Stitch removal is a short and generally painless procedure; there may be a slight pulling sensation.
Care of the Stitched Area
The First 24 Hours
Do not touch: Do not touch the stitches with your tongue, finger or any object.
Do not rinse: Avoid vigorous rinsing and spitting.
Brushing: You can gently brush your other teeth; do not brush the stitched area.
From the Second Day Onward
Gentle rinsing: In line with your dentist’s recommendation, gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water or the recommended antiseptic mouthwash; let the water flow out of your mouth rather than spitting it out forcefully.
Soft brush: Carefully brush the teeth around the stitched area with a very soft brush; do not press the brush directly onto the stitches.
Cleaning after meals: Rinse gently after meals so that food debris does not accumulate in the stitch area.
These simple precautions help the stitches stay in place and the area heal cleanly.
Nutrition
Chew on the side opposite the stitched area. Hard, crumbly, sticky and very spicy foods can catch on the stitches or irritate the area. Foods containing seeds and pips can get between the stitches. Avoid using a straw and smoking.
Common Situations Related to Stitches
The Stitch Catching on the Tongue
The ends of the stitches may prick the tongue or cheek slightly. This is usually normal and goes away when the stitch is removed or dissolves. If the discomfort is marked, you can inform the clinic; the ends can be trimmed.
The Stitch Coming Undone or Falling Out Early
One or more stitches coming undone or falling out early is a common situation, especially with dissolving stitches. If there is no bleeding, increasing pain or marked opening of the wound edges, it is generally not a cause for concern. If a stitch comes undone in areas where bone graft or a membrane has been applied, it is recommended that you inform your clinic.
A White Layer Around the Stitches
A whitish or yellowish layer forming around the stitches is a normal situation commonly seen during the healing process. If it is accompanied by a bad odor, increasing pain or discharge, evaluation is necessary.
When Should You Contact the Clinic?
Bleeding after a stitch comes undone: Bleeding that continues despite proper pressure.
Marked opening of the wound edges: Especially in graft or implant areas.
Signs of infection: Increasing swelling, redness, fever, purulent discharge and a bad odor.
Increasing pain: Pain that increases instead of decreasing as the days pass.
Missing the stitch removal appointment: Non-dissolving stitches remaining for a long time can lead to irritation.
These symptoms can often be managed with simple interventions when noticed early; for this reason, it is recommended that you inform the clinic rather than wait.
If You Cannot Come for Stitch Removal
For our patients coming from out of town or from abroad, dissolving stitches can be preferred in suitable situations. If non-dissolving stitches were used and you cannot come to the check-up appointment, it is possible for a dentist where you are to remove your stitches. Sharing this situation with your dentist before the procedure allows planning to be done accordingly.
The Importance of the Check-Up Appointment
The stitch removal or check-up appointment is important not only for removing the stitches, but also for evaluating healing. Your dentist examines wound healing, offers additional recommendations if necessary and plans the next steps with you, such as replacing the missing tooth. At DijiDent, we see check-up appointments after surgical procedures as an integral part of the healing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Non-dissolving stitches are usually removed between one week and ten days; dissolving stitches come undone on their own.
Dissolving stitches are absorbed or fall out over time; non-dissolving stitches need to be removed by the dentist.
If there is no bleeding or marked opening, it is generally not a cause for concern; in graft areas, inform the clinic.
Do not brush on the first day; afterwards, gently clean the surrounding teeth with a very soft brush.
It is usually painless; there may be a slight pulling sensation.
Your healing is completed with the check-up appointment.
Contact us with your questions about stitch removal, your check-up appointment or your healing. Let us follow your healing closely at DijiDent Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.
This content is for general information purposes and does not replace an examination by a dentist. Care recommendations specific to your procedure are given separately by your dentist.
