Procedures calling for dental sutures can be streamlined through the use of absorbable suture materials like polyglycolic acid (PGA), polylactic acid (PLA), and catgut.
However, there are also certain dental suture types that don’t dissolve on their own and need to be removed manually after the wound has healed enough on its own. These include silk, nylon, and polyproylene. But what happens if dental sutures are not removed?
Well, the risk of infection certainly rises. Patients will be subject to irritation and inflammation, and healing will be delayed. There will be a heightened chance of scarring as well. If the sutures seal up into the wound surgical intervention may be necessary.
The point is, patients and practitioners need to work together to avoid the consequences of not taking out sutures in time. Schedule follow-up visits for swift suture removal. Or better yet, streamline your operation with absorbable dental sutures at My DDS Supply today!
Do Dental Sutures Need to Be Removed?
This is a question we get asked all the time. We like to answer with a question of our own: what are dental sutures made of? This influences whether or not the sutures will dissolve.
Absorbable sutures are made from materials that break down naturally in the body over time. They do not need to be removed. Materials that fall under this umbrella are PGA, PLA, and catgut. We sell some of these styles here at My DDS Supply.
Sutures that dissolve on their own are great for procedures in difficult-to-access areas, such as post-extractions or soft tissue surgeries. However, some situations call for sutures made of non-absorbable materials for extended wound support.
Materials in this category are silk, nylon, and polyester. They must be removed manually for complex oral surgeries or bone grafting procedures. We also sell some of these at My DDS Supply.
Typical Timeline for Suture Removal
Before we can get into what happens if dental sutures are not removed in time we need to figure out when they should be taken out. Just like with the dental sutures dissolve time, it varies from material to material. The specific procedure and healing site dictate the timeline for removal too:
- 3-5 days: Common for healing delicate soft tissues, such as the lips or gingiva, where prolonged irritation can lead to complications.
- 7-10 days: The standard timeframe for most oral surgeries, including extractions, implant placements, and periodontal procedures.
- 2-3 weeks: Cases where extensive healing and stabilization are necessary, such as major reconstructive surgery or complex bone grafting, call for longer timeframes.
Signs That Sutures Need to Be Removed
Because there is no one-size-fits-all answer for when sutures need to be removed in dental surgeries it’s best to treat every procedure on a case-by-case basis. Look for the signs the sutures are ready to come out, which include:
- Tissue healing and closure: The site has closed up nicely with no signs of infection or inflammation.
- Loosening of the sutures: Sutures may start detaching naturally as healing progresses, a telltale sign they’re no longer necessary and could actually cause more harm than good if they stay in the oral cavity.
- Patient discomfort or irritation: Sutures causing irritation, swelling, or pain, are also indications removal may be necessary earlier than originally anticipated.
- Inflammation or foreign body response: Similarly, removal is necessary if the surrounding tissue reacts negatively to the suture material. This reduces the risk of infection.
All that being said, what happens if dental stitches are not removed and you choose to ignore these signs? Let’s take a look below.
What Happens if Dental Sutures Are Not Removed?
There are a few risks that come with failing to remove dental sutures in time, ranging from mild discomfort to severe infections and in turn, additional surgeries.
Tissue Irritation and Inflammation
These are the most common issues when non-absorbable sutures remain in place beyond the recommended removal timeframe. The body starts to see the suture as a foreign object and this can lead to localized redness, swelling, and discomfort.
Patients might complain of persistent soreness in the mouth. In some cases, the tissue can start to overgrow around the sutures and removal will be more complicated when the time does come.
Increased Risk of Infection
Worse, sutures left in the oral cavity beyond their recommended timeframe can start harboring bacteria and increase the likelihood of infection at the surgical site.
This is because food particles, plaque, and saliva introduce microorganisms that can become trapped around the sutures. This not only delays wound healing but can cause serious health complications if not addressed in time.
Always stay vigilant for the signs of infection such as persistent pain, swelling, pus formation, and a foul taste or odor in the mouth. Getting the infection under control may require the use of antibiotics.
Delayed Healing and Scarring
The goal post-surgery is to heal as fast as possible, and sutures play a role in this. But at a certain point, they’re only holding the body back from undergoing its natural healing process.
Leaving sutures in too long can impede natural collagen formation as soft tissues in the mouth attempt to regenerate. This can in turn lead to more noticeable scar tissue or even improper wound closure.
This matters most in esthetic zones, where excessive scarring could affect a patient’s smile or gumline appearance. But, it’s something to take note of regardless of the surgical site location.
Potential Need for Surgical Intervention
Ultimately, the biggest concern regarding what happens if dental sutures are not removed is additional intervention needed for removal. Old sutures can become embedded in healing tissue or cause chronic inflammation.
In either case, locating the sutures in the oral cavity can become increasingly difficult, and surgical excision will be necessary to extract them without damaging surrounding tissue.
In severe cases, though, tissue breakdown can arise from persistent irritation. In this case, grafting or corrective procedures will be necessary, leaving the patient with a fresh set of sutures in their mouth!
The Process of Removing Dental Sutures (When They Don’t Dissolve)
Knowing what happens if dental sutures are not removed, you can feel the gravity of the situation and understand why we felt obliged to create this article.
The point is, you have a responsibility as a dental professional to get your patients back in your chair for proper suture removal post-procedure. Make sure they’re well aware of what happens if dental stitches are not removed and schedule their follow-up before they leave.
In the meantime, here’s a quick overview of the suture removal process and aftercare tips.
Step-by-Step Suture Removal
Removing non-dissolvable dental sutures is a straightforward procedure performed in a sterile environment, with patient safety and comfort always being the top priorities. Here’s how it works:
- Sterilization and Preparation: Make sure all necessary tools (scissors, forceps, gauze) are sterilized and ready to go. Clean the patient’s mouth to reduce bacterial presence.
- Evaluating the Healing Site: Inspect the surgical area to confirm proper healing without any signs of infection or excessive inflammation before removing sutures, as they could still need a few days.
- Anesthesia (If Necessary): Suture removal is almost always painless, but a topical anesthetic may be applied if the patient experiences sensitivity or discomfort. This is only necessary when excising soft tissue to remove embedded suture material.
- Lifting and Cutting the Suture: Use sterile forceps to gently lift the suture knot away from the healing tissue. Cut the thread close to the knot with a small suture removal scissor, being cautious to avoid pulling external bacteria through the tissue.
- Removing the Suture Thread: The thread is carefully pulled out in a smooth, controlled motion after being cut to avoid unnecessary trauma to the healing tissue.
- Final Cleaning and Inspection: The area is gently rinsed with an antimicrobial solution after all sutures are removed to minimize the risk of infection. The dentist checks for any residual irritation, inflammation, or unhealed tissue.
The patient will then be given aftercare guidelines to support continued healing. You may have your own specific best practices you provide your patients, but we’ll share some general insights below if not.
Best Practices for Post-Removal Care
The last thing you want is for complications at this late stage in the healing process to bring patients back into your practice. Proper aftercare can make or break patient outcomes. Support optimal healing through the following recommendations:
- Continue gentle brushing and rinsing with an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash to keep the area clean.
- Stick to soft foods for a day or two to avoid irritating the healing site. Stay away from spicy, crunchy, or sticky foods.
- Mild sensitivity is normal, but persistent pain, swelling, redness, or pus could indicate infection. These symptoms warrant a call to a dental professional for further evaluation.
- Patients should avoid touching the site with their tongue or fingers to prevent unnecessary irritation. This can be difficult as it’s uncomfortable and feels weird in the mouth, so make sure you warn the patient of the risks.
At this point the job is finished, but more complex surgical procedures may call for even another follow-up appointment to gauge the healing process and make sure everything is on track.
Streamline Your Practice With Absorbable Dental Sutures From My DDS Supply!
Even if you know what happens if dental stitches are not removed and take steps to mitigate these concerns, you still need to empower yourself with the right sutures in the first place. That’s where we come in.
My DDS Supply is your factory direct eBay store for all things dentistry from world-renowned manufacturers. You’re getting high-quality supplies at unbeatable prices, with exceptional support from A to Z.
Our absorbable sutures, like the 4/0 PGA Violet Braided Sutures, provide predictable absorption and minimal tissue reaction. On the other hand, our 4/0 Nylon Black Monofilament Sutures can be used for non-absorbable applications where smooth tissue passage, strong retention, and easy handling are necessary.
We also have C-6 and C-26 needles, meticulously designed for precise penetration with minimal trauma to reduce patient discomfort and make suturing more efficient for you, the dentist. After all, you’ve got a lot crammed into your schedule and need to achieve peak productivity.
With various lengths and configurations available you can stock up on everything that keeps your practice turning. You can also source the other dental surgical supplies you need while you’re at it, ranging from dental needles to dental bibs, dental gauze, and even the most extensive dental face mask selection online.
Our sutures meet strict industry standards for strength, flexibility, and biocompatibility - so why settle for anything less than the best when your reputation and patient outcomes are on the line? Shop My DDS Supply today!
Parting Thoughts on What Happens if Dental Stitches Are Not Removed
As we wrap up our guide to what happens if dental sutures are not removed we want to remind you of the risks once more. From delayed healing and irritation to infection and the potential for additional surgical interventions, sutures must be removed in the proper timeframe.
The onus is on you as the dentist to make sure your patients are aware of what happens if dental stitches are not removed in time and get them back to visit you for a follow-up before it’s too late.
This is why it’s much more convenient and practical to use absorbable sutures whenever possible, but as you know, this isn’t always possible. You need both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures in your arsenal. Fortunately, we carry both for you at My DDS Supply.
Don’t compromise on quality when it comes to sutures. Stock your practice with sutures designed for optimal healing and minimal tissue trauma today and enjoy more favorable patient outcomes with better productivity along the way!