The sutures used in dentistry aren’t one-size-fits-all. Choosing the optimal dental sutures types can make or break the patient outcome, leading to favorable end results with a speedy healing time or contributing to discomfort, delayed recovery, and in some cases, a return to the practice.
We’ve put together this detailed guide on all the different types of dental sutures to help industry professionals source and employ the ideal style for any given use case - be it periodontal surgery, bone grafting, or anything in between.
The tricky part about choosing sutures is there are quite a few ways they can be classified. The simplest is by whether they’re absorbent or non-absorbent, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
So, continue reading below as we cover everything you need to know to feel confident utilizing the ideal suture in any given scenario. You can also contact us directly at My DDS Supply for a personalized recommendation.
We have all the types of sutures dental offices need right here waiting to be discovered. Browse our dental sutures catalog and set yourself up for success in any scenario!
All the Different Types of Dental Sutures: How Are Sutures Classified in the Dental Industry?
Just as with all the types of dental burs, there are many ways we can distinguish the various dental sutures types from one another. That includes:
- Material Absorbability
- Filament Style
- Size
- Coatings
- Needle Type
You’ll need to consider all the moving pieces in picking the ideal types of dental sutures for a given use case. Let’s start with the nuances between absorbable vs non-absorbable materials.
Absorbable vs Non-Absorbable Materials
Absorbable sutures degrade naturally and are absorbed by the body as the tissue heals. The material dissolves through enzymatic or hydrolytic processes, so there is no need for the patient to return to your practice for removal.
While this is certainly a more convenient approach for both the practitioner and the patient, it removes some level of control over when the sutures should come out. Nevertheless, these tend to be the go-to. You’ll find them in materials such as:
- Polyglycolic Acid (PGA): A synthetic option with predictable absorption rates, suitable for many oral surgeries.
- Polydioxanone (PDS): Offers extended tensile strength for slower-healing tissues.
- Catgut (Plain or Chromic): Derived from natural collagen, it is treated to delay absorption in chromic variations.
Absorbable sutures are common in applications like periodontal flap surgeries, extractions, or cases requiring short-term tissue support. On the other hand, non-absorbable sutures will not degrade and require manual removal after the wound heals. They’re made from:
- Silk: A traditional choice that’s easy to handle but prone to bacterial contamination.
- Nylon: A synthetic, strong, and flexible material that won’t break down.
- Polypropylene (Prolene): Biocompatible and resistant to breaking or degradation.
This style is best suited for more complex surgical repairs, such as implant placements, or cases requiring long-term tissue stabilization.
Monofilament, Multifilament and Barb Styles
You can also characterize the different types of dental sutures based on whether they’re monofilament, multifilament, or barbed. Each has its place in the dental practice.
Monofilament sutures are composed of a single, smooth strand. This style minimizes tissue drag and reduces the risk of infection as there are fewer crevices.
However, it’s stiffer and more prone to knot slippage. As such, practitioners that use this type must be experienced and precise in suturing the wound. The monofilament suture is best used in clean surgical sites and procedures with low infection risk.
Multifilament sutures are made from braided or twisted strands, as the name suggests. This leads to a stronger knot with greater flexibility for ease of handling.
That being said, the braided structure also has its downfalls - most notably, an increased risk of bacterial colonization between individual strands. Still, multifilament sutures are great for delicate oral tissues or surgeries that call for high tensile strength.
Finally, barbed sutures - as you might have guessed - have barbs along the surface to secure tissues without tying knots. This is a time-saving feature that evenly distributes tension across the suture line.
The only drawback is that barbed sutures can be challenging to remove if not placed correctly. While it can streamline operations in best-case scenarios, it can actually slow them down in the event of errors.
These are becoming more and more rare in general dental surgeries, but they’re gaining popularity for specific periodontal and soft tissue procedures.
Nuances in Sizing
There are many different types of dental sutures from a sizing perspective as well. The goal for every dental professional is to choose a suture that achieves the desired wound closing without damaging sensitive tissue.
The sizing system uses numbers, where smaller diameters are denoted by larger numbers. This can be a bit counterintuitive to new dental professionals, but choosing the ideal style becomes second-nature once you get the system engrained in your brain.
Smaller sizes, like 6-0 and 7-0, are thin and minimally invasive. They tend to be used for delicate soft tissue repairs, such as grafts.
In contrast, larger sizes (3-0 and 4-0) are thicker and more durable. They’re used for scenarios where tensile strength is more important - say, jaw surgeries or implant procedures.
There are plenty of options between the two sizes as well.
Coatings Used on Sutures
Some sutures are coated to enhance functionality by reducing tissue friction and improving handling. There are a few different coatings you’ll come across, including but not limited to:
- Antibacterial Coatings: Chlorhexidine or triclosan coatings prevent bacterial colonization, reducing infection risks.
- Silicone or PTFE: Applied to monofilament sutures for smoother passage through tissues.
- Waxes and Resins: Often found on silk sutures to reduce drag and enhance pliability.
Coated sutures are especially useful in areas prone to infection or procedures involving dense tissue. They aren’t always necessary, as they’ll cost a premium.
Needle Types
We know you came here to learn about the different dental sutures types, but you also need to think about the needle used as part of the process. Its shape and point determine the level of tissue penetration and control.
Curved needles are the go-to in dental surgeries, as they offer exceptional maneuverability in the tight spaces of the oral cavity. You may still see straight needles used, but this is increasingly rare. Here are some common shapes:
- ¼ Circle: Best for superficial sutures with easy access
- ⅜ Circle: Ideal for deeper tissues requiring limited movement.
- ½ Circle: Offers broader reach for gingival and mucosal sutures.
- ⅝ Circle: Mostly reserved for specialized dental surgeries in tight spaces
The point types matter too, and you have a few different options at your fingertips. Tapered points separate the tissue fibers without cutting, which is why they’re best used in delicate tissues like mucosa.
Meanwhile, cutting points feature a more triangular tip for penetrating tougher tissues. They’re preferred for fibrous gingiva or ligament sutures. Reverse cutting points are a subset of this style that reduces tissue trauma, best for precision suturing in challenging areas.
Your Guide to Choosing the Right Sutures as a Dentist
There you have it, all the different types of dental sutures. The only question now, is which of these dental sutures types should you use?
Chances are you need a myriad of styles in your arsenal as you never know what you’re going to encounter on a given day. But before we introduce you to our extensive selection here at My DDS Supply, we want to provide some tips on choosing the ideal style for a given application.
Procedure Type
The first thing you should consider in choosing among the different types of sutures for dental procedures is the procedure itself, of course.
Surgical extractions, periodontal surgeries, implant placements, and oral trauma repairs each present unique challenges, and the sutures used need to be unique to those challenges. Here are some general guidelines:
- Surgical extractions: Absorbable sutures eliminate the need for removal and are the go-to here, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
- Periodontal surgeries: Fine, non-absorbable sutures are stronger and offer greater precision for delicate gum tissue.
- Implant placements: Monofilament sutures are favored here for their smooth structure, reducing tissue drag and minimizing bacterial adherence.
Patient-Specific Factors
Beyond the procedure, consider the patient. Everyone who sits in your operating chair has their own unique needs and characteristics that must be accounted for in picking the optimal dental sutures types.
For example, patients with compromised healing abilities (diabetics or smokers, for example) need sutures with higher tensile strength to provide greater wound stability.
Of course, hypoallergenic options should be employed for patients prone to adverse reactions. Synthetic absorbable sutures, such as polyglycolic acid (PGA), are safer for those with sensitivities.
Consider whether the patient is likely to return for follow-up visits, too. Non-absorbable sutures are impractical if removal is unlikely to happen on schedule. Even if it’s less-than-ideal, it’s better to use absorbable sutures in these scenarios.
Material Longevity
Speaking of removal, you need to think about the different types of dental sutures materials and their respective longevity. This is mostly something that needs to be accounted for in absorbable sutures.
In procedures where fast healing is expected, you’d want to use sutures with shorter resorption times (7–10 days), such as plain gut. In contrast, wounds requiring long-term support will call for materials like polydioxanone (PDS), which provide strength for up to 180 days.
Non-absorbable sutures, on the other hand, should be chosen for their durability and resistance to degradation, especially in situations requiring extended tissue approximation.
Ease of Handling
It’s always a good idea to choose sutures you’re most comfortable using, as this will give you more confidence and precision during application. Here are some insights:
- Monofilament sutures: These resist tangling and ensure smooth passes through tissue, though they may require more skill to tie securely.
- Multifilament sutures: Easier to tie and manipulate but with increased tissue drag, which may require careful handling to prevent trauma.
- Coated options: Some multifilament sutures feature coatings that reduce friction, combining the best of both worlds.
Remember - comfort in handling directly translates to reduced chair time and more precise results. Patient outcomes are always of the utmost importance.
Cost vs Quality
Budget constraints can’t be ignored, but like we just said, the patient is your top priority. Cutting corners to save money will often lead to increased costs down the line. Your reputation is on the line, so think more in terms of value for the money rather than price alone.
High-turnover procedures may justify bulk purchasing of mid-tier sutures. But for critical cases and high-stakes surgeries, investing in premium materials is non-negotiable.
Striking the right balance between affordability and effectiveness ensures a practical approach without sacrificing patient outcomes. The good news is you can enjoy the best of both worlds here at My DDS Supply - more on that in a moment.
Sterility and Packaging
No matter which of the different types of dental sutures you end up choosing, it’s imperative that they’re shipped and packaged in a sterile manner so you can protect your patients.
Pre-packaged sterile sutures eliminate the risk of contamination during storage and handling so they’re considered the gold standard in modern dentistry. Look for compact, well-labeled packaging that protects sutures and simplifies inventory management.
Not sure where to start your search? No matter which of the dental sutures types you are looking to stock up on, you can count on My DDS Supply to deliver a world-class selection.
Discover All the Types of Sutures Dental Offices Need at My DDS Supply!
We’re your factory-direct eBay store for all things dentistry - from dental surgical supplies like dental syringes and dental burs to the basics such as dental bibs, dental gauze, dental face masks, and more. As we said from the start, our sutures selection is second to none.
We’ve carefully sourced our products from the most reputable manufacturers in the industry. You can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve at an unbeatable price, with exceptional customer service every step of the way.
Every suture is carefully crafted to meet specific surgical needs, from the precision of 5/0 PGA sutures for fine work to the dependable strength of 3/0 Silk for more intensive applications.
The 4/0 PGA Violet Braided Sutures are popular for their consistent absorption rate and low tissue reactivity, while the 4/0 Nylon Black Monofilament Sutures glide smoothly through tissue.
Our C-6 and C-26 needles deliver excellent penetration with minimal tissue trauma, and the variety of suture lengths provides flexibility for different surgical techniques and preferences.
When in doubt, reach out. We’ll talk about all the different types of dental sutures we have in our collection and help you shop with confidence knowing you’re getting exactly what you need.
Just remember we also have all types of dental suction tips and types of dental needles along with everything else you need to keep your facility running smoothly, too. So, browse our catalog today and transform your dental sourcing process for the better!
Bringing Our Dental Sutures Types Guide to a Close
We hope this guide to all the different types of dental sutures has left you with a clear, confident understanding of your options - and when you’d want to use each.
From absorbable to non-absorbable, monofilament to braided, and various needle designs, selecting the optimal style can make or break a procedure, impacting both patient comfort and practitioner efficiency.
Our blog has more resources on topics like how to use dental syringe, how to sterilize dental burs, how to clean dental trays, how long does dental cement last, how to soften dental putty, how strong is dental cement, how long does a temporary crown last, and many others.
But the only thing left to do at this point is set yourself up for success sourcing all the dental sutures types you need at My DDS Supply. Shop today and ensure you’re prepared for any patient who sits in your chair!