Sutures

Sutures (stitches) are used to close the gum incision after implant surgery, holding the wound edges together while healing occurs. The type and technique of suturing significantly affects wound healing and comfort.

Types of suture material

• Resorbable sutures: Dissolve on their own, typically over 1–4 weeks depending on the material (gut, polyglycolic acid, PTFE). No removal appointment needed. Most commonly used in implant surgery.
• Non-resorbable sutures: Must be removed at a follow-up appointment, typically 7–14 days after surgery. Used where precise wound control is important, such as over non-resorbable membranes.

What to expect

Sutures are placed under local anaesthetic at the end of the surgical procedure — you will not feel them being placed. They may cause some mild awareness or mild irritation as the surrounding tissue heals. If sutures become loose and are uncomfortable, contact us — they can usually be trimmed or removed early without affecting healing.

After suture removal or dissolution

Gentle cleaning can resume around the area as the wound heals. Some redness and slight firmness in the gum is normal for several weeks after sutures dissolve or are removed.