What are dissolvable dental stitches? They are made of sterile and absorbable materials used for stitching teeth after dental operations or extractions. The stitching thread dissolves over time inside the body with the help of the immune system’s response to foreign materials. Such stitches are used to seal the opening to prevent blood loss and bacterial infection.
Patients fear dental stitches and being nervous about it is normal. So, if you are stressed about sutures, we will discuss some unexplored questions to help you increase your knowledge about dental stitches.
How Long Does It Take For Dental Stitches To Dissolve?
Dissolvable stitches are designed to dissolve on their own without the help of oral surgeons. And because they are self-dissolving, there’s no need for cutting the threads. The time it takes for a stitch to dissolve mainly depends on a few things:
- The size of the stitches
- The type of incision
- The location of the stitches
- The quality of threads
Depending on the incision area, a stitch can take a day, a few weeks, or months, to dissolve. The larger the stitches, the longer time it will take to dissolve. If the incision is larger, it may require more stitches which will eventually take longer to disintegrate. The location of the stitches also plays a major part because specific locations can cause different issues for stitches to dissolve. For example, stitches in the wisdom teeth can take more time to dissolve because of the wetness in the incision site.
Caring For The Stitched Site
Regardless of where the incision site is located, taking proper care after getting stitches is vital. Proper care can speed up the healing process. However, if not given enough time to recover, the incision site may pose challenges for patients. This happens especially when the stitches become loose or poke soft tissue inside the mouth. To carefully proceed during the recovery process, here’s what you should do:
- Avoid pulling out the stitches
- If you face any oral problems, consult your dentist
- Always ask your oral surgeon the expected healing time of the incision
- Refrain from chewing hot, solid food and using straws
- Handle the incision area carefully while cleaning your mouth
- Don’t press the area with your finger or anything
- Avoid using spoons or forks to the incision site
Signs Your Stitches Aren’t Healing
Although self-dissolving stitches in dental surgery rarely cause complications, it’s not uncommon for problems to occur. Even if you proceed with great caution, there’s still a lingering chance of complication that persists. You should be aware of potential signs that come as baggage when something is wrong in the incision area. The symptoms often suggest that the area isn’t healing properly, or you may be dealing with an infection. Here are some signs to observe:
- Sharp and intense pain that doesn’t go away
- Fever or raised body temperature
- Swelling and irritation at the incision area
- Fluid or blood secretion from the area
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Itching in the affected area
How Can Icard & Strein Family Dentistry Help?
You don’t need stitching unless it’s a serious dental issue. And oral surgery can be daunting so if you still feel scared or nervous, let us help you. The Harrisburg, NC dentists, Dr. Icard & Strein, along with the helpful staff, will be there to tend to your needs and approach your situation with extreme care and caution. Learn more about us by calling our office directly.
Our Harrisburg NC Dentist Office
To learn more about dental treatments from Icard & Strein Family Dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, call our Harrisburg, NC dental office today at 704.455.5003.
