There are many ways you can categorize the various dental suture types, from material to size, filament style to coatings, and even needle type. We like to keep things simple and just differentiate based on non-absorbable vs absorbable sutures.
So what’s the difference between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures? Exactly what you think it is. Absorbable sutures dissolve on their own over the course of days or weeks, saving the patient a return to the dental chair. Non-absorbable sutures need to be removed manually.
But understanding when to use absorbable vs non-absorbable sutures is important. You can’t just choose what’s most convenient. You need to take the specific procedure and patient needs into account, too.
We’ll cover all this and more below to help you feel confident choosing between the two styles. But the truth is you’ll need both in your practice, and My DDS Supply has you covered with the #1 selection of dental sutures online. Streamline your suturing with our supplies today!
What’s the Difference Between Absorbable and Non-Absorbable Sutures?
Sutures are essential for post-surgical site healing and ensuring favorable patient outcomes. Not all sutures are created equal, though. So what’s the difference between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures? Ultimately, it comes down to materials.
Overview of Absorbable Sutures
Absorbable sutures are designed to break down naturally in the body over time, so they don’t need to be removed by a professional. What are dental sutures made of in this case, then? There are three common options:
- Polyglycolic acid (PGA)
- Polylactic acid (PLA)
- Natural gut (catgut)
These are often used for soft tissue closures following extractions, periodontal surgeries, or implant placements. They’re called on when follow-up appointments for suture removal may be impractical.
But how long do dental sutures take to dissolve? It all depends on the specific material used along with the specific procedure that was performed, oral-care habits post-procedure, and other factors. It typically takes between 7-14 days, though.
You can save yourself and the patient time and stress by using absorbable sutures when short-term support is sufficient and healing can continue without suture intervention. However, there are many cases when these won’t cut it, and non-absorbable sutures are necessary.
Overview of Non-Absorbable Sutures
Non-absorbable sutures will stay in place until they’re manually removed. They’re made from materials like nylon, polyester, silk, or polypropylene. Each of these provides prolonged tensile strength in cases where extended wound support is needed.
These are preferred for complex surgical closures or areas subject to tension and mechanical stress. Dentists use them when they want more control over the healing timeline.
However, they require patient compliance. What happens if dental sutures are not removed in time can be a nightmare, from irritation and inflammation to scarring and additional surgical intervention. That being said, they definitely have their place in dentistry.
Key Differences in Materials, Healing Environment, Cost, and More
So what’s the difference between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, aside from the obvious? There are a few nuances you’ll see in comparing absorbable vs non-absorbable sutures:
- Material Composition: Absorbables use biodegradable synthetic polymers or natural materials, while non-absorbables use durable synthetics or silk.
- Degradation Timeline: Absorbables typically dissolve over 7-21 days. Non-absorbables remain indefinitely until removed.
- Clinical Application: Absorbables suit routine, fast-healing cases, but non-absorbables are needed in complex surgeries, grafts, or high-risk healing environments.
- Patient Management: Absorbables reduce follow-up visits, while non-absorbables offer more healing oversight.
- Cost Considerations: Absorbables can be slightly more expensive upfront, but non-absorbables may require additional chair time and follow-up.
Understanding these differences is a great start, but really, it’s just a matter of knowing when to use absorbable vs non-absorbable sutures. At the end of the day, you need both in your practice’s arsenal.
When to Use Absorbable vs Non-Absorbable Sutures
Choosing between non-absorbable vs absorbable structures comes down to two simple factors: the type of procedure you’re performing and the patient. You may be able to pick between the two in some cases, and your preferences will guide you there. Here’s what you need to know.
Choosing Based on Procedure Type
This is the biggest determinant of when to use absorbable vs non-absorbable sutures. Remember, absorbable sutures are best for simple tooth extractions, soft tissue grafts, or flap surgeries. Healing is expected to be quick and uncomplicated in these cases.
There’s no need for the patient to come back for a follow-up since they dissolve on their own. This is convenient not just for them but also for the practitioner. It lets you focus more of your time on new visits.
Non-absorbable sutures have their place, too, though. They’re used in procedures associated with longer healing times or where scenarios where tissue tension is high. This ranges from ridge augmentation to implant surgeries, complex periodontal flap closures, and more.
You’ll get much more control over when the wound is closed and when the sutures come out. While it’s a bit of a hassle, it’s a necessary evil for prioritizing favorable patient outcomes in some cases.
Patient-Specific Considerations
Not every patient heals the same. Suture choice needs to reflect that. Absorbable sutures reduce risk of infection and missed appointments for patients with compromised immune systems, poor oral hygiene, or limited access to follow-up care.
On the other hand, you may have patients with a history of delayed healing or those undergoing multi-phase treatments. These are a perfect example of when it would make sense to use non-absorbables to maximize wound healing integrity.
You should take allergies or sensitivities into consideration as well. For example, eugenol-sensitive patients shouldn't be exposed to certain suture materials. Similarly, some patients experience more tissue reactivity to silk or gut than they do to synthetics.
These are the nuances we’re talking about when we say that it’s impossible to give you a one-size-fits-all answer for when to use absorbable vs non-absorbable sutures. You’ll need to approach every situation as unique and use your best judgment.
Practitioner Preference and Clinical Setting
Your comfort and preferences in suturing play a part in whether you use non-absorbable vs absorbable sutures, too. At least, to some degree. The procedure and patient should always come first.
That being said, absorbables may streamline post-op logistics by reducing the number of return visits in high-volume practices. In contrast, non-absorbables give greater flexibility and control in surgical or specialty practices where there’s a higher need for hands-on healing management.
Additional Considerations When Selecting Suture Type
Your experience, technique, and trust in the material all influence what ends up in the tray - and there’s no single “right” choice across all procedures. Plus, choosing between non-absorbable vs absorbable sutures is just one piece of the puzzle!
Suture Size and Gauge Relevance
Suture size impacts handling, knot security, and how well the tissue holds up under pressure. Thinner sutures (like 5-0 or 6-0) work great for delicate tissue and esthetic zones where you want to minimize scarring.
On the other hand, thicker options (like 3-0 or 4-0) are better suited for areas that would benefit from higher tensile strength, such as molar extractions or grafts under tension.
Suture Needle Type
Needle selection is often overlooked, but it matters just as much as the suture itself. Curvature, point geometry, and length should all align with the surgical site.
A 3/8 or 1/2 circle needle offers better control for tight spaces. Reverse cutting needles minimize trauma in tougher tissues, while taper points glide through softer mucosa. Take your time to match the needle to the site to help reduce tissue damage and speed up placement.
Cost-Efficiency for Practices
Premium sutures aren’t cheap, but you get what you pay for - and you should never cut corners when it comes to the supplies you use in your practice.
Still, you want to be pragmatic and cut down on overhead where you can. It’s about balancing price with performance. Reliable sutures help avoid repeat procedures and contribute to smoother post-ops, which ultimately saves you time, money, and stress.
There’s a difference between a suture that “does the job” and one that makes your job easier. High-quality sutures offer smooth passage, minimal memory, and strong, consistent knot security without the frustrations of fraying or breakage.
So, don’t settle for anything less than the best, whether you need non-absorbable vs absorbable sutures. Either way, My DDS Supply has you covered.
My DDS Supply Has You Covered With Both Absorbable and Non-Absorbable Sutures!
This is your factory-direct eBay storefront for all things dentistry. Shop a premium range of dental sutures tailored for every practice and procedure.
From the fine control of 5/0 PGA sutures to the strength of 3/0 silk, you have access to the precision you need without compromise. Clinicians love our 4/0 PGA violet braided sutures for their smooth handling and predictable absorption. Meanwhile, our 4/0 nylon monofilaments offer low tissue drag and excellent tensile strength for longer-term needs.
We also carry C-6 and C-26 curved needles with exceptional sharpness and control, plus a variety of suture lengths to match any surgical scenario. Whether you’re placing grafts, performing extractions, or handling complex periodontal work, we’ve got a solution that fits your style and elevates patient care.
Plus, you’ll enjoy fast shipping, great prices, and world-class customer service from A to Z. Empower yourself and your team with the top-tier supplies you need today and prioritize patient outcomes at My DDS Supply!
Bringing Our Comparison of Non-Absorbable vs Absorbable Sutures to a Close
We hope this comparison of when to use absorbable vs non-absorbable sutures has left you feeling clear and confident in the role each plays in your practice.
In closing, absorbables offer convenience for healing tissues, while non-absorbables provide extended strength where needed. You need both, and it’s really just a matter of matching suture to the procedure and the patient’s needs.
So, be ready for any case, from routine extractions to complex surgical repairs, with the best selection of absorbable and non-absorbable dental sutures online at My DDS Supply. Close gaps in your inventory and put surgical outcomes first!