Dental stitches after surgery — dissolvable vs removable and when they fall out

Key facts

• Dissolvable stitches usually fall out within about 7–14 days
• Non-dissolvable stitches are removed at a review after 7–10 days
• Removal is quick and usually needs no anaesthetic
• Avoid straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing for the first day
• Early loss over a graft or implant, or an open wound, should be checked

Why stitches are used

Stitches, or sutures, hold the gum in position after surgery so it can heal over the socket, bone graft or implant. They help control bleeding, protect the blood clot, and keep graft material or membranes in place. Not every extraction needs stitches; a simple removal of a single tooth often heals well without them. They are more common after tooth extraction stitches are needed for surgical removals such as impacted wisdom teeth, multiple extractions, implant placement, bone grafting, sinus lift procedures, biopsies and frenectomies. The surgeon decides on the number and type of stitches based on how the tissue needs to heal.

Dissolvable vs removable stitches

Dissolvable sutures are made from materials that the body breaks down gradually. In the mouth, they usually loosen and fall out on their own within about one to two weeks, though some types can take a little longer. Non-dissolvable sutures, such as nylon or PTFE, stay in place until they are removed, usually at a review seven to ten days after surgery. Removable stitches are often chosen when precise, stable closure is important, for example over bone grafts or certain implant procedures. Removing them is quick and normally only feels like a slight tug, without the need for anaesthetic.

When do stitches fall out?

Many patients ask when dental surgery stitches fall out. Dissolvable stitches commonly start to loosen after four to seven days and have usually gone by around two weeks. You may find a small piece of thread in your mouth or on your toothbrush, which is normal. If a stitch comes out a day or two early but the area is not bleeding and the gum looks closed, it is usually not a concern. If a stitch comes out very early after grafting or implant surgery, or the wound appears to open, contact the clinic so the area can be checked. Do not pull or cut stitches yourself.

Caring for stitches at home

For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing vigorously, spitting, using straws or smoking, as these can dislodge the clot and pull on the stitches. After that, gentle warm salt-water rinses or a prescribed mouthwash after meals help keep the area clean. Brush the rest of your teeth normally and clean near the stitches carefully with a soft brush. Eat soft foods and chew on the other side. Avoid poking the area with your tongue or fingers. Some stitch threads may feel rough or catch on food, which is common and settles once they dissolve or are removed.

When to contact the clinic

Mild swelling, soreness and a small amount of oozing are expected for the first few days. Contact the clinic if bleeding does not stop after 30 minutes of firm pressure with gauze, if swelling or pain gets worse after the third day, if there is a bad taste with pus, or if you develop a fever. Contact the clinic also if stitches over a graft or implant come out early or the wound opens. Difficulty swallowing or breathing, or rapidly spreading swelling, needs emergency medical care. Keeping your review appointment allows the surgeon to remove any non-dissolvable stitches and confirm healing.

Oral and maxillofacial surgery treats conditions of the mouth and jaws that go beyond routine dentistry: impacted teeth, cysts and benign lesions, jaw injuries, and preparation of bone for implants.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Moataz Al-Khan

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.