From routine extractions to more complex oral surgeries, sutures, or stitches, are one of the most important supplies to keep your dental practice running smoothly. But as you may well know already, there are so many different dental suture types to choose from.
This is great because you can easily tailor the suture to the exact needs of the patient, be it quick healing or prolonged wound support. It can also make sourcing more complicated, though.
One way to narrow it down is based on dental suture materials. So what are dental sutures made of? We’ve put together this guide to highlight the most common materials used for dental sutures:
- Polyglycolic Acid (PGA): Predictable absorption and minimal tissue reaction for reliable wound support.
- Polylactic Acid (PLA): Strong with slower absorption, perfect for extended healing.
- Catgut (Natural Absorbable Material): Natural and fast-absorbing, but more inflammatory than synthetic options.
- Silk Sutures: Excellent handling and knot security, though mildly reactive.
- Nylon (Polyamide): Non-absorbable with smooth passage and lasting tensile strength.
- Polypropylene (Prolene): Biocompatible and resistant to infection for high-risk areas.
Learn more about the role each plays and when you’d want to use each below. Or better yet, stock up on all the various dental sutures you could need at My DDS Supply and be prepared for any patient and procedure you face!
What Are Dental Sutures Made Of?
Sutures are used to close a wound and promote healing while protecting surgical sites from infection. They provide the necessary support for tissues to regenerate properly.
They play such a vital role in supporting favorable outcomes that you cannot overlook the significance of different materials and styles. Every oral surgery brings its own unique challenges to the table, but selecting the right material can minimize the risk of complications.
For example, some high-stress areas or surgeries with tight spaces may benefit from stronger, smoother sutures like polypropylene. On the other hand, basic procedures will be perfectly fine with a more cost-effective material like nylon or PGA.
That being said, what are dental sutures made of and which material is best for your dental practice? Long story short, you’ll need to keep a few different styles on hand. These include:
Polyglycolic Acid (PGA)
This is the most common absorbable suture material you’ll encounter in modern dentistry. It’s a synthetic braided polymer that’s really easy to work with thanks to its smooth texture and uniform design.
What makes PGA so great, though, is its predictable degradation patterns and high tensile strength. It also provides consistent knot security for better wound stability during healing.
PGA sutures absorb via hydrolysis, eventually breaking down into glycolic acid. This can take anywhere from 60-90 days for completion, so PGA is great for short-to-mid-term support.
Over that time frame patients won’t have to worry about tissue reaction, even if they’re prone to inflammation. This is among the most gentle, non-reactive dental suture materials.
That being said, it’s not great for long-term support or high-tension wounds since tensile strength begins diminishing around the two-to-three-week mark post-surgery. You’ll want to rely on some other material for these applications.
Polylactic Acid (PLA)
Look no further than PLA for a slightly stronger yet still absorbable suture material. It offers a good balance between resilience and biocompatibility.
It turns into lactic acid as it degrades, a naturally occurring compound in the body. While this process takes a bit longer than PGA, that’s what some procedures call for - extended wound support.
PLA sutures have a unique braided structure that improves handling and knotting performance. While PGA sutures start degrading as quickly as two weeks, PLA sutures don’t begin degrading until the four-week mark in most cases.
This staying power comes at a cost, though. PLA sutures can be a bit more expensive than other materials. They’re not always optimal for highly delicate tissues either since they have a stiffer texture.
Catgut
While PLA and PGA sutures are made from synthetic materials, catgut sutures are not. So, what are dental sutures made of in this case? These are derived from purified collagen taken from the intestinal lining of sheep or cattle.
This is one of the oldest dental suture materials that are still in use today. Because they’re naturally derived, they are highly biocompatible. Still, they tend to provoke more tissue reactions compared to synthetic materials.
Catgut dissolves enzymatically, meaning the body’s natural enzymes break it down over a 7-10 day period for plain catgut. This can take up to 21 days for chromic-treated versions, which are treated with chromium salts to slow down degradation and minimize tissue reaction.
While this material is pliable and perfect for short-term healing, the unpredictable absorption timeline and inherent weakness compared to other materials might not always be ideal.
Silk Sutures
Not all suture materials degrade on their own. Silk sutures are one such non-absorbable, natural option made from the fibers of silkworm cocoons. They’re known for effortless handling properties, superior knot security, and incredible flexibility.
The catch is that because silk has a higher tendency to wick fluids and these sutures are typically braided, they carry a slightly higher risk of bacterial contamination.
More importantly, though, silk sutures must be removed manually after the wound has fully healed. This can be inconvenient for patients, and it also means you’re going to spend more time on follow-up visits. However, this is a good thing in many cases like soft-tissue grafts or certain periodontal procedures.
Nylon (Polyamide)
Nylon sutures are made from synthetic polyamide polymer. They’re also non-absorbable and highly versatile, found in both monofilament and braided forms - each of which has its place in the realm of dentistry.
For instance, monofilament nylon is smooth so there’s less tissue drag and a lower infection risk. On the other hand, braided nylon is easier to handle and has superior knot security.
In general, though, nylon suture materials are durable and strong, perfect for procedures that need extended support for the healing process. You’ll find them used in dental implant placements or extensive periodontal surgeries.
Just be aware that they’re not quite as easy to handle as other non-absorbable materials, like silk. They’re more rigid and this can increase complexity during the knotting stage specifically.
Polypropylene (Prolene)
Last but not least in our list of dental suture materials, we have polypropylene - or prolene for short. This synthetic, non-absorbable style is monofilament in structure and known for exceptional biocompatibility. You won’t have to worry about tissue reaction.
For this reason, prolene sutures are a go-to option for patients with sensitivities or conditions that could make inflammation a bigger concern. The monofilament structure is also smooth which further lowers infection risks since it reduces bacterial adhesion.
Prolene sutures resist breakage and will maintain their tensile strength indefinitely. They’re used for long-term closures or cases involving high tension, such as oral trauma repairs or extensive maxillofacial surgeries.
The bright color is a godsend during placement and removal, too. But, the rigidity can pose a challenge during handling. Even skilled practitioners can find them frustrating and cumbersome.
Choosing the Right Dental Suture Materials
You know what dental sutures are made of, but which of these is right for you? As we said from the start, it’s not about choosing one material and using that across the board. Picking the perfect suture material for a given patient and procedure is far more nuanced.
Procedure Type
Start by thinking about the unique needs of the procedure in question. For example, soft tissue surgeries (gum grafting or periodontal flap surgeries) call for sutures with minimal tissue reaction, like PGA or PLA, to promote rapid healing with minimal irritation.
On the other hand, bone grafting or implants will need more durable sutures like nylon. These last longer and have higher resistance to breaking. Meanwhile, oral trauma repairs will benefit from non-absorbable sutures like polypropylene where you don’t want the suture degrading on its own. Speaking of which…
Healing Requirements
Now, how long do dental sutures take to dissolve? This is one of the most common questions we get asked here at My DDS Supply, as it’s one of the most important things to consider in choosing the right dental suture materials. Here is some context:
- Short-Term Healing: Absorbable sutures like Catgut are ideal for wounds that heal quickly, as they naturally break down in 7-10 days.
- Intermediate Support: Sutures like PGA offer a predictable absorption time of 60-90 days, making them perfect for cases where moderate wound support is required.
- Extended Healing Needs: Non-absorbable sutures, such as Nylon or Polypropylene, provide long-term stability for patients undergoing complex surgeries or those with delayed healing due to health conditions.
The material you choose for your sutures should align with the anticipated healing duration. This will minimize risks such as premature suture degradation or prolonged irritation.
Patient Needs
Even in looking at two identical procedures, there may be a variance in patient needs. These are just as important to account for as the clinical considerations.
Some patients may have allergic reactions to natural materials like silk or catgut. In such cases, synthetic options like PLA or polypropylene are safer.
Age and health are factors as well. Elderly patients or individuals with systemic health issues (like diabetes) call for sutures with high tensile strength for a longer period as healing can be slower in these groups.
Sometimes, even aesthetics matter. Procedures in visible areas of the mouth should use a suture that will blend in, like clear or white nylon. This will keep the patient smiling confidently during the healing phase.
Cost Considerations
Patient comfort and safety are the top priorities in choosing a suture material, but they’re not the only things to consider. You can also account for cost if all else is equal.
While high-quality sutures may come at a premium, they often offer better clinical outcomes and reduce the risk of complications, ultimately saving costs in the long run. More importantly, they’ll help preserve or even enhance your reputation as a dental practitioner in your area.
Bulk purchasing options and multi-use packaging can help you manage expenses without compromising quality. That’s where we come in at My DDS Supply.
Shop My DDS Supply for the Premier Selection of Dental Sutures Online!
My DDS Supply is your factory direct eBay store for all things dentistry. You gain access to the best selection of products online from reputable manufacturers at competitive prices. With world-class customer service every step of the way, it doesn’t get any better!
So, what are dental sutures made of at My DDS Supply? We’ve got it all for you, from silk sutures to nylon sutures, braided sutures, and so much more.
From precisely engineered needles to color-coded packaging for easy identification, our sutures are designed to maximize convenience without compromising performance.
It’s easier and more affordable than ever to equip your practice with the best dental suture materials, so what are you waiting for? Elevate your standard of care today and ensure optimal patient outcomes with our selection!
Closing Thoughts on Dental Suture Materials
So, what are dental sutures made of? Hopefully this guide to dental suture materials has left you with a clear, confident understanding of all the options at your fingertips and the unique properties each has to offer.
Your practice will inevitably need different materials on hand for different patients and procedures. It’s not a matter of only choosing one. Fortunately, your search for the premier selection of dentistry sutures ends here at My DDS Supply.
You can learn more about materials and supplies used in modern dentistry here in our blog. Here are some similar resources you may be interested in:
But remember, from the various dental suture materials to the basics like dental bibs and dental putty, this is your one-stop shop for everything you need to keep your practice running smoothly. So, head over to My DDS Supply today and make sure you’re prepared for anything!