Dental sutures are an important tool in every dental office. You never know what you’ll find during a checkup. That's why you need a selection of dental suture types to suit every patient’s needs.
We’ve written this guide to help you source the right sutures for many procedures. Learn all about the different dental sutures and their typical uses in a dental office.
Absorbable sutures work well for minor dental surgery, but for serious oral surgery, you need to use non-absorbable sutures. They have greater tensile strength and give you more control over removal time than absorbable sutures. You also have to consider material, thickness and design.
MyDDSSupply.com carries the best dental sutures for every procedure. You can find whatever dental supplies you need here. We strive to keep your patients happy and your practice running smoothly. So, shop now and set yourself up for success no matter what comes your way.
How Your Sutures Influence Patient Outcomes
Your suture choice can influence healing time and patient comfort., Your patient may experience unnecessary complications if you use the wrong suture size, such as wound opening or inflammation.
Using the right sutures for each patient can ensure prompt healing and a fast recovery. That’s why it’s important to use the best dental sutures for every procedure.
What Separates the Best Dental Sutures From the Rest?
The best dental sutures are the ones that are best suited to the procedure. But, it can be challenging to choose the right ones for each task with so many options available. Here’s a rundown of the factors that go into choosing the right dental sutures.
Monofilament vs Braided: Which Style is Right For Your Practice?
Monofilament sutures use a single strand of material. They move through tissue more easily than braided sutures, and they're less prone to bacterial colonization. But they are also less pliable than braided sutures, and more prone to knot slippage.
Braided sutures are more flexible and easier to knot. But they can absorb fluids like saliva and blood, and bacteria can grow between the braids. This increases the risk of patient infection. Some braided sutures use antibacterial coatings to prevent this.
Choosing Between Absorbable vs Non-Absorbable Sutures
What happens if dental sutures are not removed? If you’re using absorbable sutures, nothing - they break down naturally in your mouth to save patients a second appointment for suture removal. They’re used in many minor oral surgeries.
Non-absorbable sutures have to be removed after the site has healed. They are used in procedures that need more extended wound support. They are also used by patients with sensitivities to absorbable sutures.
What are dental stitches made of? Absorbable sutures come in a range of different materials, including:
- Polyglycolic Acid (PGA)
- Polydioxanone (PDS)
- Chromic gut
Materials used for non-absorbable sutures include:
- Silk
- Nylon
- Polypropylene (Prolene)
Knowing when to choose absorbable vs non absorbable sutures is very important. Absorbable sutures are convenient and suitable for most dental uses. But you should choose non-absorbable sutures in cases of longer-term wound healing.
Needle Design and Handling Characteristics Matter
Curved needles are typically used in dental surgery, since they are easier to maneuver in a patient’s mouth. Dentists typically use four different types of curved needles:
- ¼ Curve: Good for closing superficial wounds in areas with ample space to move the needle.
- ⅜ Curve: The most commonly used size, used in many surgical dental procedures.
- ½ Curve: Used in confined spaces where maneuverability is limited.
- ⅝ Curve: Useful in highly confined spaces like a third molar extraction.
Tapered point needles can separate tissue fibers without cutting. They're the best choice for delicate tissues like mucosa. Cutting points can penetrate tough fibrous gingiva or ligaments. Reverse cutting points are good for precision suturing.
Tensile Strength and Knot Security Over Time
How long it takes for dental stitches to dissolve depends on the material used. But before absorbable sutures dissolve entirely, they start losing their tensile strength. As an example, chromic gut takes about 14 days to dissolve, but loses much of its strength within 5-7 days.
For minor oral surgery, this is not a problem as the wound is largely healed by that time. But you need more durable sutures for situations that require wound closure support.
Non-absorbable sutures generally have a better tensile strength than absorbable sutures. There’s little chance they’ll break prematurely in the patient’s mouth before removal. However, some non-absorbable sutures have knot security issues and can come untied prematurely.
In general, thicker suture sizes are more prone to knot security problems than thinner ones. Monofilament sutures are harder to knot properly than braided sutures.
Biocompatibility and Patient Comfort
Natural absorbable materials like chromic gut can trigger an inflammatory response. Synthetic PGA or PDS sutures are best for patients with a history of suture sensitivity.
Suture removal is generally not painful. But many patients are uncomfortable with any dental procedures. Most patients prefer absorbable sutures because they don't require a follow-up visit.
But the most important factor to consider is the expected time for wound healing and closure. Go with non-absorbable sutures if there is a risk of wound dehiscence.
Cost Considerations
Traditional materials like chromic gut are generally the least expensive suture options. You'll spend a bit more for PGA and PDS sutures and non-absorbable sutures made with silk or nylon. Specialized sutures with anti-bacterial coatings or PTFE sutures are still more expensive.
While suture costs should play a role in your decision, the client’s health and safety are paramount. Postoperative complications will be more expensive than any savings on suture materials.
More expensive materials like prolene are easier to knot. This saves time on each operation and reduces the risk of irritation and discomfort.
So What are the Best Sutures for Dental Surgery?
Here is a list of the best dental sutures for different dental operations. Your choice of suture materials may vary with different patient needs. But most dentists choose these sutures because they have a proven track record.
No matter the procedure, My DDS Supply is your one-stop shop for the best sutures in dentistry. We offer fast shipping and a wide selection of sutures designed to elevate your workflow and ensure favorable patient outcomes.
Best Sutures for Extractions and Simple Oral Surgery
PGA or chromic catgut absorbable sutures are generally chosen for extractions and simple oral surgery. These procedures heal quickly. A suture that loses strength within 5-10 days will suit the purpose. They are also favored by patients because they don’t require a removal appointment.
Some patients are sensitive to the materials used in absorbable sutures. Synthetic non-absorbable sutures are less likely to trigger inflammation. Most dentists use 3-0 or 4-0 sizes for these procedures, with 5-0 sutures used in more delicate areas.
Best Sutures for Implants and Soft Tissue Grafting
Choose non-absorbable monofilament sutures for implant placements. Their smooth surface reduces tissue drag and minimizes bacterial wicking and colonization. And implant healing times can vary, so they give you more control over when you remove the sutures.
6-0 and 7-0 nonabsorbable monofilaments are best for soft tissue grafts. Thin sutures are less likely to irritate sensitive gums. Their flexibility lets them glide easily through tissues with minimal trauma.
Best Sutures for Periodontal Surgery
Fine PGA sutures keep their tensile strength throughout the critical healing period. Their predictable absorption period means fewer worries about the sutures dissolving too quickly. But because most PGA sutures are braided, there is a chance of bacterial wicking.
Monofilament nylon is a good choice for surgery where healing time is a concern. It has superior tensile strength and durability, as well as low tissue reactivity. But nylon sutures can be stiffer than other alternatives, leading to patient discomfort.
Best Sutures for Bone Grafting or Ridge Augmentation
Monofilament sutures are the best sutures for bone grafting or ridge augmentation procedures. Braided sutures increase the infection risk. This can be a serious postoperative complication with these procedures.
You can use a long-lasting absorbable suture for stitching. But non-absorbable sutures in 4-0 to 6-0 sizes are the preferred choice. These surgeries require follow-up, so you won’t need to schedule a separate suture removal.
Best Universal Sutures for General Dental Practice
There’s no one dental suture that will work for every procedure. But there are a few sutures that you will use often in your dental practice. These include:
- PGA sutures: Used in many extractions and simple dental surgery procedures, PGA will be a good choice for most of your work and is the go-to choice for absorbable sutures.
- Nylon sutures: For periodontal surgery, bone grafting, or ridge augmentation procedures, monofilament nylon is a reliable choice for non-absorbable sutures.
- Prolene sutures: If there is a chance of swelling, prolene stretches under tension and does not adhere to tissue.
The key takeaway is you need a variety of sutures in your arsenal, and there’s one place you can find all of them - right here at My DDS Supply.
Find the Best Dental Sutures for Any Application at My DDS Supply!
Whatever your dental suture needs, you can rely on My DDS Supply to carry it. We’re the factory-direct eBay storefront of dental supplies. You get the best dental supplies at competitive prices, along with our world-class customer service.
Whether you’re looking for absorbable sutures, non-absorbable sutures, braided sutures, or monofilament sutures, we have you covered. Equipping your dental office is affordable and easy with My DDS Supply. Take the next step today by browsing our selection!
Final Words on the Best Dental Sutures
Hopefully this information has helped you determine the best dental sutures for different patient issues. You have a lot of choices when you’re closing an extraction or performing a bone graft. With our guide, you’ll be able to pick the best suture for the best job.
Your patient’s comfort and well-being is your primary concern. Because you patients have many different needs, you need to make sure you have the proper sutures on hand.
My DDS Supply offers a range of sutures to fit any purpose. With us, you can rest assured that you always have the right materials for every patient who sits in your chair. Elevate your sourcing standards today!