What to Do if Your Tooth Implant Stitches Come Out

After dental implant surgery, it’s normal to keep an eye on how things are healing. One thing you might notice is that your stitches are starting to come out.

In most cases, this isn’t a problem. Many stitches used after implant surgery are dissolvable and fall out on their own as the area heals. But it’s still important to know what’s normal and what’s not and how to care for the area to avoid complications.

Let’s walk you through what to expect during recovery, why stitches may come out, what to do if they do, and when to contact your dental provider. With the right care, your healing can stay smooth and on track.

What Happens After Dental Implant Surgery?

After your implant surgery, your mouth begins the process of healing. The stitches play a big role in this. They keep the gum tissue closed and help protect the area while it recovers.

There are two main types of stitches your dental implant specialist might use. Dissolvable stitches break down on their own, usually within one to two weeks. You won’t need to have them removed. Non-dissolvable stitches stay in place until your specialist takes them out, often within 7 to 10 days.

During this time, your body is doing a lot of quiet work. The gum tissue starts to close. Swelling and tenderness are normal signs of healing, especially in the first few days. You might also have some bruising or tightness near the implant site. That’s expected. The swelling usually peaks by day three. After that, it slowly goes down, and the pain becomes easier to manage.

Why Do Dental Implant Stitches Come Out?

Stitches aren’t meant to stay in forever. They’re there to hold the tissue in place just long enough for your gums to begin healing.

If your specialist used dissolvable stitches, they’re designed to break down on their own. You might notice pieces loosening or falling out after several days which is normal and usually means the area is healing well.

Other times, the stitches may come out early. This can happen if you brush too hard, eat crunchy foods too soon, or accidentally pull on the area. Even talking, yawning, or sleeping in certain positions can put pressure on your gums.

So, when is it a concern?

If the stitch comes out and everything looks calm- no heavy bleeding, no sharp pain, no signs of infection- you’re likely fine. But if the area feels raw, looks swollen, or starts to bleed more than expected, it’s worth checking in with your dental specialist.

What to Do If Your Tooth Implant Stitches Come Out

If you notice a stitch has come loose or fallen out, don’t panic. As long as there’s no pain, swelling or bleeding, it’s likely your body is just doing its job. Dissolvable stitches are made to fall out once the tissue starts healing. In this case, you don’t need to do much; just keep up with your regular aftercare.

But if the area feels sore, looks swollen, or starts bleeding, here’s what you can do:

• Don’t touch it. It’s tempting, but poking or pulling at the area can slow healing or cause infection.
• Rinse gently. Use warm water to clean the area. Swish, don’t swish hard. Just enough to keep it clean.
• Eat soft foods. Stick to soups, mashed veggies, or yogurt. For now, avoid crunchy, chewy, or spicy foods.
• Avoid brushing directly on the implant site, but keep the rest of your mouth clean. Use a soft toothbrush.

However, you need to call your dental specialist if:

• You see bright red bleeding that won’t stop.
• You feel sharp or throbbing pain that doesn’t go away.
• You notice a bad taste, pus, or swelling that keeps getting worse.
• Or if multiple stitches come out early and the area feels exposed.

How to Manage Pain and Swelling After Dental Implant Surgery

A little pain and swelling after dental implant surgery is normal. It’s your body’s way of responding to the procedure and starting the healing process.

You might feel sore or tender near the implant site in the first 24 to 48 hours and your cheek or jaw may look slightly swollen. You could even see light bruising. This is expected, and a sign of healthy healing, especially if you also had a bone graft or sinus lift.

Here’s how to stay comfortable during this phase:

• Take your medications as directed. If your specialist gave you antibiotics or pain relievers, use them exactly as prescribed.
• Use an ice pack. Wrap it in a clean cloth and place it on your cheek for 15 minutes at a time. It helps reduce swelling and numbs the area.
• Rest with your head elevated. Prop up a few pillows when lying down. This helps drain fluid and keeps swelling down.
• Rinse gently with warm water. Start 24 hours after surgery. This keeps the area clean and soothes the gums. Do it a few times a day.

The swelling usually peaks by day 3. After that, it should start to go down. The pain should feel less sharp and more like a dull ache. Eating soft foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding hot or spicy meals can also help.

If you’re still in a lot of pain after 5 days or if the swelling gets worse instead of better, it’s time to call your dental specialist. You might be dealing with irritation, infection, or another issue that needs attention.

Healing Abutment Pain: What to Expect

After your implant surgery, you may notice a small metal piece sticking out of your gums. That’s the healing abutment. It helps shape the gum around your future crown and keeps the implant site open as it heals.

It’s normal to feel some pressure or sensitivity around it, especially in the first few days. The area might feel a bit sore when you chew, talk, or brush nearby. You may even notice the gum tissue looking slightly red or swollen around the abutment. That’s your body adjusting.

Here’s how to keep the discomfort under control:

• Avoid touching the abutment- the less you disturb it, the better.
• Brush gently around the area. Use a soft toothbrush and take your time. Don’t brush directly on the abutment unless your dentist says it’s okay.
• Rinse with warm water. This helps keep the area clean and reduces tenderness.
• Stick to soft foods. Crunchy or chewy meals can irritate the site and increase sensitivity.
• Avoid smoking, as this slows healing and raises the risk of implant failure. If you’ve been thinking about quitting, now’s the perfect time.

When to Contact Hanna Dental Implant Center

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait it out, reach out. A quick call can give you peace of mind and help prevent small issues from becoming bigger ones.

Whether your stitches come out early, the area feels too sore, or you just want to be sure things are healing properly, we’re here for you. At Hanna Dental Implant Center, our team is trained to spot concerns early and guide you through every step of your recovery.

Here’s how we can help:

• We’ll check the implant site to make sure it’s healing as it should.
• If needed, we’ll replace stitches or clean the area gently.
• We’ll give you clear, simple instructions to follow at home.
• And we’ll be here to answer any questions, even the ones that feel small.

Your comfort matters to us. If you’re unsure about your stitches, swelling, pain, or anything else after surgery, contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dental implant stitches supposed to fall out?

Yes, if your dental specialist used dissolvable stitches, they are meant to fall out on their own, usually within 7 to 14 days after surgery. It’s a normal part of the healing process.

What happens if dental stitches come out?

If a stitch comes out and there’s no pain, bleeding, or swelling, you likely don’t need to worry. But if the area feels exposed or uncomfortable, or if bleeding starts, call your specialist to be safe.

What to do if dental stitches come loose?

Don’t touch or try to pull the stitch. Rinse gently with warm water to keep the area clean. Avoid hard or sticky foods, and call your specialist if the area looks irritated or feels painful.

How long do dental implant stitches stay in?

Dissolvable stitches usually last 1 to 2 weeks before breaking down. Non-dissolvable stitches may need to be removed by your specialist after about 7 to 10 days. Your specialist will let you know which type you have.