Oral Surgery
Sutures (stitches)
Sutures, or stitches, are small threads that close a gum opening after surgery or an extraction. Many dental stitches dissolve on their own.
After an extraction or oral surgery, the gum may need to be closed. MedlinePlus says the gum may need one or more stitches, also called sutures. Cleveland Clinic says a dentist may place stitches after an extraction to help the site close and protect it.
Stitches can be removed by your dentist, or they may be made of material that dissolves by itself. Your dentist will tell you which kind you have. Keep the area clean as directed. Do not pull on a stitch with your tongue or fingers.
Being too aggressive can dislodge stitches or protective blood clots. If a stitch comes out early, or you have bleeding, pain, or swelling that gets worse, call your dentist. See socket clot, post-operative instructions, and tooth extraction.
Related terms
- Blood clot (socket clot)
- Post-operative instructions
- Gauze pressure
- Wisdom tooth removal
- Surgical extraction