dissolvable stitches hanging in mouth

2 min read 23-01-2025

Dissolvable stitches, also known as absorbable sutures, are commonly used in oral surgery and other medical procedures. While designed to dissolve on their own, sometimes a portion may remain longer than expected, leading to discomfort and concern. This article addresses what to do if you have dissolvable stitches hanging in your mouth.

Understanding Dissolvable Stitches

Dissolvable stitches are made from materials that the body naturally absorbs over time. This usually takes several weeks, depending on the type of suture material and the healing process. The process involves the body's enzymes gradually breaking down the stitches. However, several factors can affect this process.

Why Dissolvable Stitches Might Hang

Several reasons explain why a portion of your dissolvable stitches might be hanging in your mouth:

Incomplete Absorption: The body's absorption rate varies. Some individuals might experience slower absorption than others.
Infection: An infection can delay or inhibit the dissolving process. The presence of an infection might also affect the integrity of the stitches.
Type of Suture: Different materials dissolve at different rates. Your dentist or surgeon can inform you of the type of suture used.
Location: Stitches in areas with less blood flow may dissolve more slowly.
Trauma: Accidental irritation or trauma to the area can affect the dissolving process.

What to Do if You Have Hanging Stitches

If you have a dissolvable stitch hanging in your mouth, do not attempt to pull it out yourself. This can cause:

Infection: Pulling on the stitch could introduce bacteria into the healing wound.
Bleeding: You might inadvertently damage the healing tissues, causing bleeding.
Pain: Pulling on the stitch will certainly cause more pain and discomfort.

Instead, follow these steps:

Contact Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon: This is the most crucial step. They can assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
Gentle Rinsing: Rinse your mouth gently with saltwater (1/4 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) several times a day. This helps keep the area clean.
Avoid Irritants: Avoid hard foods, hot drinks, and alcohol in the area. These can irritate the healing tissue and the remaining stitch.
Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed, if needed. Again, check with your doctor first.

How Long Should I Wait?

The timeframe for complete absorption varies, but it's typically several weeks. If you have concerns after a week or two, contacting your dentist or oral surgeon is essential.

Is it an Infection?

Signs of infection include increased pain, swelling, redness, pus, or fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Prevention

While you can't always prevent a stitch from hanging, you can take steps to support the healing process:

Follow Post-Operative Instructions: Adhere strictly to your dentist or surgeon's post-operative instructions.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss gently around the surgical site, but avoid directly touching the stitches.
Eat a Soft Diet: This reduces stress on the healing wound.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Excessive bleeding.
Severe pain.
Signs of infection (swelling, redness, pus, fever).
Difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Dissolvable stitches hanging in your mouth can be alarming, but in most cases, it's not a cause for major concern. Following the advice above, and contacting your dentist or oral surgeon, will ensure proper healing and address any potential issues promptly. Remember, self-treatment is not recommended. Always seek professional medical advice.