What to know about dissolvable stitches after oral surgery

Seeing stitches in your mouth can feel strange, especially when they begin to loosen. Dissolvable stitches are designed to break down on their own, so they usually do not need to be removed. How long they stay in place depends on the type of stitch and your procedure. Following your dental provider’s instructions can help the area heal without added problems. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Dissolvable stitches usually do not need to be removed. 

• The type of stitch affects how long it stays in place. 

• Mild pain, swelling and bleeding can be normal early in recovery. 

• Soft foods, rest and gentle oral care can help protect the area. 

If you are unsure whether your stitches are healing as expected, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. 

How do dissolvable stitches work? 

Dissolvable stitches are also called absorbable sutures. They hold the surgical area together while it heals. Absorbable stitches dissolve on their own and do not need to be removed.¹ 

Not every stitch used during oral surgery dissolves. Some need to be removed by a dental provider or oral surgeon. If you are unsure which kind you have, ask your care team before touching or pulling it. 

How long do dissolvable stitches take to fall out? 

There is no single timeline for every dissolvable stitch. How long it stays in place depends on the material used and the type of surgery. Your dental provider or oral surgeon can tell you what to expect based on the stitches you received. 

If a stitch remains longer than expected or begins to bother you, contact your dental provider instead of pulling or trimming it yourself. Recovery may also differ after procedures such as dental implant surgery, so follow the instructions provided for your procedure. 

What's normal after oral surgery? 

Some bleeding, mild pain and swelling can be normal after oral surgery. Gentle pressure with gauze may help control bleeding. An ice pack used for short periods during the first 24 to 72 hours may help with swelling.² 

What feels normal can depend on your procedure. Follow the instructions from your dental provider or oral surgeon and contact the office if you are unsure about a symptom. 

What signs mean something is wrong? 

Contact your dental provider or oral surgeon if bleeding becomes excessive, pain becomes severe or another symptom worries you.² Do not wait for a scheduled visit if your symptoms are getting worse. 

Also call your dental provider if a dissolvable stitch disappears before the area looks healed or if the wound opens.¹ Do not try to replace or tie the stitch yourself. 

How should you care for the area while it heals? 

For the first few days, rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Choose soft or liquid foods, and avoid hard or spicy foods that could irritate the area. Drink from a cup instead of using a straw. Be gentle when brushing near the surgery site and follow your dental provider’s instructions about rinsing. Smoking, vaping and drinking alcohol can also interfere with healing.² 

If you need meal ideas, review these soft foods to eat after oral surgery. Your dental provider can tell you when it is safe to return to your usual diet and routine. 

The cost of a follow-up visit or added care depends on your procedure and insurance. Learn more about common oral surgery costs and ask your care team what your plan may cover. 

You do not have to manage recovery questions alone. Get in touch with your local dental provider to have the area checked and get guidance based on your surgery. 

What to know about dissolvable stitches after oral surgery FAQs 

Still have questions about dissolvable stitches? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

What should you do if you swallow a stitch that falls out? 

If you think you swallowed a loose stitch, check the surgical area. Contact your dental provider if the site has opened, starts bleeding or becomes more painful. Get urgent help if you have trouble breathing or feel like you are choking. 

Is it okay to touch or pull a loose stitch? 

No. Leave the stitch alone, even if it feels loose or bothers your tongue. Pulling it may irritate the area or disturb healing tissue. Ask your dental provider to check or trim it safely if needed. 

Will you need a follow-up visit to check your stitches? 

Not always. Dissolvable stitches usually do not require a visit just for removal. However, your dental provider or oral surgeon may schedule a follow-up appointment to check how the area is healing. Attend any visits they recommend. 

Do all oral surgeries use dissolvable stitches? 

No. Some stitches dissolve on their own, while others must be removed. The type used depends on your procedure and how the area needs to heal. Ask your dental provider which kind you have. 

Can you exercise while your stitches dissolve? 

Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and sports during the first few days unless your dental provider says otherwise. Ask when it is safe to return to your usual activities because the timing can depend on your procedure. 

Sources 

¹ U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Library: “Suture Care.” https://www.veteranshealthlibrary.va.gov/TestsTreatments/Treatments/3,85117 

² American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: “Proper Oral Care After Dentoalveolar Surgery.” https://myoms.org/what-we-do/extractions-and-dentoalveolar-surgery/proper-oral-care-after-dentoalveolar-surgery/