When you get a gum graft, the oral surgeon will need to suture the donor tissue to the recipient site. These stitches are necessary to hold the graft in place while it heals and integrates with the surrounding gum tissue. However, you won’t need the stitches permanently. Here is an overview of how long stitches usually stay in place after a gum graft procedure.
Initial Healing Phase
The stitches placed during a gum graft procedure will need to stay in for at least the first 7-10 days after surgery. This allows enough time for initial healing to take place and for the grafted tissue to adhere at the transplant site. Keeping the stitches in during the early post-operative period prevents the gum graft from shifting out of place while the healing process begins.
During this first week or so, the stitches hold the donor gum tissue securely to the recipient site so that the graft can become stabilized. Premature removal of stitches could allow the gum graft to detach before it has integrated with the surrounding gum tissue. That’s why stitches are left in for a minimum of 7-10 days after a gum tissue graft.
Follow-Up Appointment
Around 7-10 days following your gum graft, you will need to return to the oral surgeon’s office to have your stitches evaluated. At this first follow-up appointment, the doctor will assess how your gums are healing and determine if the stitches are ready to be removed.
In most cases, the stitches can be taken out at your first post-op appointment once your oral surgeon is satisfied with the initial healing. However, sometimes patients need to continue having the stitches in for a little longer past the first 7-10 day checkup. Factors like the extent of the gum graft procedure, your individual healing ability, and how well your gums look at the follow-up can all impact when the stitches come out.
Reasons Stitches May Be Left In Longer
- Large gum graft procedure
- Slow initial healing
- Graft site still appears unstable
- Signs of infection or complications
If your oral surgeon wants you to keep your stitches in past the first follow-up, you will need to come back again after another week or so to have them taken out. Stitches are usually removed within 14-21 days at the maximum.
Stitch Removal Appointment
During your follow-up visit to get the stitches taken out, your oral surgeon will gently snip each suture and pull it out. You may feel some minor pulling or pressure sensations as the stitches get removed. This is typically quick and uncomplicated.
The doctor will also thoroughly examine your gums at this appointment. They will check that your gum tissue is healing properly and that the graft appears stable without the stitches in place. Sometimes, a few dissolving stitches will be left behind to provide a bit more support.
As long as your gum graft site looks to be healing well once the stitches come out, you can proceed with the second phase of healing. Your surgeon will advise you on appropriate aftercare to continue supporting gum regeneration.
Second Healing Phase
Once the stitches have been removed following gum grafting, you still have more healing ahead. Even after suture removal, it takes additional time for the grafted gum tissue to fully integrate with the surrounding area. Complete healing typically takes several more weeks.
It is vital to stick to your oral surgeon’s post-op instructions during the second healing phase after stitch removal. Recommendations often include:
- Avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods
- Gently brushing and flossing around the area
- Using prescribed antibacterial mouth rinse
- Avoiding touching or irritating the graft site
Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled around 4-6 weeks after the procedure to evaluate healing. Your gum tissue should appear pink, firm, and integrated at this point. Notify your oral surgeon right away if you notice excessive pain, bleeding, swelling, or other complications.
Full Healing Timeline
While the stitches themselves come out within 14-21 days at the maximum, full healing after a gum graft takes about 2-3 months. Here is an overview of the general gum graft healing timeline:
- First 1-2 weeks: Stitches in place holding graft tissue.
- 7-10 days: First follow-up to check healing and potentially remove stitches.
- 2-3 weeks: Stitches removed once graft appears stable.
- 4-6 weeks: Follow-up appointment to evaluate continued healing.
- 2-3 months: Gum tissue fully healed and integrated.
While your oral surgeon can advise you based on your specific situation, this gives a general idea of what to expect. The stitches are a temporary part of the gum graft healing process, but proper healing continues long after they’ve been removed.
Signs of Problems After Stitch Removal
Although you still have healing to do after the stitches come out, you should not experience increased problems at this point. Contact your oral surgeon right away if you notice any of the following after suture removal:
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Severe pain that gets worse
- Visible graft detachment
- Pus or excessive foul odor
- Swelling that expands
- Fever or flu-like symptoms
These could indicate an issue like infection or graft failure. Prompt treatment is needed to protect healing. Avoid irritating the area and rinse gently in the meantime.
Conclusion
Stitches are used to stabilize and secure the donor gum tissue for around 7-14 days after a gum graft procedure. They are removed once the initial healing provides graft adherence. Complete healing takes about 2-3 months as the graft integrates with the surrounding gum tissue.
While stitches come out relatively quickly, appropriate care following their removal is crucial as well. Make sure to follow your oral surgeon’s post-op directions closely to support gum regeneration and optimal esthetic results from your gum graft.