Is It Normal To Have Stitches After Dental Implants?

Dental implants are a type of surgery where it’s completely normal that stitches may be used as part of the healing process.

Since implants are placed directly into the jawbone and require gum tissue to be carefully opened and then closed again, it makes sense that stitches are often involved.

For many patients, hearing that sutures are needed can raise a few questions, especially about how long they stay in, whether they cause discomfort, and what the recovery period is like once they’re in place.

In this blog, we’ll look at why stitches are commonly used with this procedure, what you can expect in the days afterwards, and how the healing process usually unfolds.

Why would stitches be used after dental implants?

When a dentist performs dental implant surgery, an incision in the gum is often necessary so the implant can be placed directly into the bone.

Once that step has been completed, the gum tissue will need to be closed back over the area. Stitches are the simplest and most effective way of doing this, as they hold the gum in place while it starts to heal back together. Without sutures, there would be a higher risk of the wound opening up or healing unevenly.

Not every dental implant procedure will require stitches. Sometimes, especially with techniques where only a small opening is made, they may not be needed. However, when traditional methods are used, sutures remain a very standard part of the process.

What are the types of stitches that may be used?

There are generally two categories of sutures used in oral surgery. The first is dissolvable stitches, which are designed to gradually break down on their own over time. These can be convenient as they don’t need to be removed later, but they may take several weeks before they disappear completely. The second type is non-dissolvable stitches, which need to be removed by your dentist after a set period, often about a week to ten days.

Which type is chosen will usually depend on the technique used, the size of the incision, and your dentist’s preference. Dissolvable stitches are common in implant procedures, but non-dissolvable ones may be chosen if a stronger hold is needed or if the area is expected to experience more movement during healing.

What can I expect after the treatment?

Straight after your dental implant surgery, the stitched area may feel a little tight or unusual, but this is expected. The gum tissue has essentially been secured into place so it can begin repairing, and it will take a little time before it starts to feel more settled. You may notice slight bleeding during the first day, which is normal as the body adjusts to the surgical site.

Mild swelling is also to be expected in the first couple of days. Since the gum has been manipulated and sutured, the surrounding tissue will react in this way as part of the natural healing process. Cold packs placed gently on the outside of the face can sometimes help with this, although you should always follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare.

How long do stitches usually need to stay in place?

The length of time sutures remain in place varies depending on the type used. If dissolvable stitches are used, they may begin to break down after about a week but can last up to three or four weeks before they are fully gone. During this time, it’s normal to notice small pieces working their way loose in your mouth.

If non-dissolvable stitches are used, you will typically return to your dentist within a week or two to have them removed. The removal process is usually quick and simple. The gum tissue will already have begun to repair itself by this stage, so the stitches have served their purpose of holding the incision closed.

How can I care for the area with stitches during recovery?

It’s important that you look after the sutures while they’re in place. This means being gentle when brushing near the surgical site, avoiding food that could easily catch on them, and rinsing with any solutions your dentist has recommended. Saltwater rinses are often advised as they can help keep the area clean without being too harsh.

Chewing on the opposite side of the mouth is usually a good idea in the first week, particularly if you have non-dissolvable stitches that need to remain intact until they’re removed. Avoiding very hard or sticky foods can also help prevent unnecessary pressure on the sutured area.

What happens once the stitches dissolve or have been removed?

Once the stitches dissolve or are removed, the gum tissue continues to strengthen around the implant site. This stage of healing is still critical, even if it feels like most of the hard work is done.

Beneath the surface, the bone is beginning to integrate with the implant in a process known as osseointegration. While this part of recovery can take several months, the gum tissue above it should feel much more comfortable within a couple of weeks after the stitches are no longer present.

It’s common that the gum line may look slightly different where the incision was made, but over time it usually blends in with the rest of the tissue. This is all part of the expected healing process after oral surgery.

How do I know when I should contact my dentist?

While it’s normal that stitches are used with dental implants, there are occasions where you may need to check in with your dentist about how they’re healing.

If you notice persistent bleeding, unusual swelling, or stitches coming loose far earlier than expected, it’s best to contact your dentist for advice or a check-up. These issues don’t always mean there’s a serious problem, but they are worth checking to ensure that your recovery progresses well.

Mild irritation from stitches is not uncommon, as they can sometimes rub against the inside of the cheek or tongue. However, if this becomes bothersome, your dentist may be able to adjust or trim the suture to make it more comfortable.

Oasis Dental Studio: General and Cosmetic Dentists in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Pottsville

At Oasis Dental Studio, our trained, qualified and experienced dentists can carefully plan and perform your dental implant procedure.

During the treatment process, they will also do their best to ensure that you are well informed about each aspect of the procedure, including what to expect when it comes to stitches.

With locations in the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Pottsville, our team will provide you with helpful aftercare advice and support your treatment journey from start to finish.

Please contact our team to schedule your check-up or to ask us any questions!