Stitches (sutures) are placed after oral surgery to help hold the wound edges together, protect the healing tissue underneath, and reduce bleeding. Your dentist will have told you what type of stitches you have.
Dissolvable (resorbable) stitches — the most commonly used type in dentistry. These dissolve on their own over 1–3 weeks and do not need to be removed. They are made from a material that your body gradually absorbs. As they dissolve, they may feel a bit loose or stringy — this is normal.
Non-dissolvable (non-resorbable) stitches — these are less common in routine dental surgery but are sometimes used for specialist procedures. They need to be removed at a follow-up appointment, usually 7–10 days after surgery. Your dentist will have told you if you have these and booked a removal appointment.
How to Care for the Area
The stitches hold the wound together — your job is to keep the area clean and avoid disrupting them.
Do not rinse your mouth on the day of surgery. This allows the blood clot to form undisturbed.
From day 2 onwards, gently rinse with warm salty water after every meal (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). Let the rinse fall gently from your mouth — do not swish vigorously.
Brush your other teeth carefully, avoiding the stitched area for the first 5–7 days. Then gently introduce cleaning near the site with a very soft brush.
Do not probe the stitches with your tongue, a finger, or any object.
Eat soft foods that do not require vigorous chewing near the stitched area.
If a chlorhexidine mouthwash has been prescribed, use it as directed.
What Is Normal With Stitches
These things are completely normal and should not cause concern:
The stitches feeling loose or the thread hanging slightly as dissolvable stitches start to break down
A white or yellowish appearance of the healing wound (this is fibrin — normal healing tissue)
Some stitches dissolving sooner than others — they do not all dissolve at the same rate
A slightly salty or metallic taste near the wound in the first few days
Mild tenderness and swelling for the first 3–7 days
Minor bleeding or pink-tinged saliva in the first 24 hours
If you accidentally swallow a dissolvable stitch that has come out early — this is harmless. The material dissolves in the body.
Signs of Poor Wound Healing or Infection
Know the signs that the wound is not healing as expected:
Increasing pain after day 2–3, rather than gradually improving — especially if the site looks empty (possible dry socket after extraction)
Pus or yellow/green discharge from the wound
The wound edges opening up (dehiscence) — the wound appears to be gaping rather than closed
Significant swelling that is worsening after day 4
A temperature above 38°C
Persistent bad taste or smell from the wound beyond a week
If you notice any of these, contact your dental practice for advice. Early treatment of wound problems prevents more serious complications.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Contact your dental practice if:
Non-dissolvable stitches have not been removed within 10 days and you have no removal appointment booked
All stitches come out within the first 2 days and the wound is open or gaping
You notice any of the signs of infection listed above
Bleeding from the wound does not stop after 30 minutes of firm pressure
The wound or stitches are causing significant pain or discomfort that is not improving
For out-of-hours advice, call NHS 111. If you develop difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to A&E immediately.
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. Your dentist will discuss your individual circumstances and any risks specific to you. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Contact your dentist if all the stitches come out very early (within the first 2–3 days) and the wound is gaping, if you notice signs of infection (increasing pain, swelling, pus, or a temperature above 38°C), or if bleeding will not stop. Call NHS 111 for out-of-hours advice.