Overview
Absorbable and non-absorbable dental sutures differ in their duration of wound support, handling characteristics and whether removal is normally required. Neither category is universally better; selection depends on the procedure, tissue type, healing requirements, suture material and the clinician’s professional judgement.
This guide compares the principal characteristics and practical considerations of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures used in dental and oral surgery.
Key takeaways
- Absorbable sutures provide temporary support and are broken down by the body over a material-specific period; removal is not normally required.
- Non-absorbable sutures retain support for longer and usually require planned removal when used for temporary oral wound closure.
- No single category is universally best. Selection depends on the procedure, tissue, healing requirements and clinician judgement.
- Material and construction matter. Monofilament and braided sutures differ in handling, knot characteristics and interaction with the oral environment.
- Clinical follow-up remains important regardless of which material is selected.
Absorbable vs non-absorbable dental sutures: quick comparison
| Characteristic | Absorbable sutures | Non-absorbable sutures |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Lose tensile strength and are absorbed over a period determined by the material. | Designed to resist absorption and retain support for longer. |
| Removal | Normally does not require removal, although clinical review may still be appropriate. | Usually requires planned removal when used for temporary oral closure. |
| Examples | Polyglactin 910, polyglycolic acid and polydioxanone. | Nylon, polypropylene, PTFE and silk. |
| Selection | Must account for the procedure, wound-support requirement, tissue, material construction, patient factors and clinician preference. | |
What are absorbable dental sutures?
Absorbable—also called resorbable—sutures are designed to provide temporary wound support before being broken down by the body. The rate at which strength is lost and the time required for absorption vary significantly between materials and product formulations.
They can be useful where planned removal is undesirable or impractical. However, “absorbable” does not mean that every material behaves in the same way, nor does it remove the need for appropriate postoperative review.
Potential advantages
- No routine removal procedure is normally required.
- Different materials provide a choice of short, intermediate or extended wound support.
- Options are available in monofilament and braided constructions.
Important considerations
- Strength-retention and absorption profiles vary by material and product.
- The support period must be appropriate for the anticipated healing time.
- Tissue response, handling and knot performance should be considered alongside absorbability.
What are non-absorbable dental sutures?
Non-absorbable sutures are manufactured from materials that resist breakdown in the body. In dental and oral surgery they are commonly used for temporary wound closure and are normally removed at a clinically determined follow-up appointment.
This category includes monofilament materials such as nylon, polypropylene and PTFE, as well as braided materials such as silk. Each has distinct handling and surface characteristics.
Potential advantages
- Longer-lasting wound support than rapidly absorbing alternatives.
- The clinician controls when a temporarily placed suture is removed.
- A broad range of monofilament and braided materials is available.
Important considerations
- A removal appointment is normally required for temporary oral closure.
- Material, filament structure, plaque accumulation and tissue response require consideration.
- Handling and knot technique differ between products.
Common dental suture materials
| Material | Category | Construction | General characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyglactin 910 | Absorbable | Usually braided | Predictable temporary support with established handling characteristics. |
| Polyglycolic acid (PGA) | Absorbable | Usually braided | Synthetic material available in a range of sizes and needle combinations. |
| Polydioxanone (PDS) | Absorbable | Monofilament | Provides a more extended support profile than many faster-absorbing materials. |
| Nylon | Non-absorbable | Commonly monofilament | Smooth passage with handling and memory characteristics that vary by product. |
| Polypropylene | Non-absorbable | Monofilament | Long-lasting synthetic support and a smooth filament surface. |
| PTFE | Non-absorbable | Monofilament | Frequently considered for implant and regenerative procedures. |
| Silk | Non-absorbable | Braided | Known for handling and knot security, with the characteristics of a braided natural fibre. |
Monofilament vs braided sutures
Absorbability is only one part of suture selection. Monofilament sutures consist of a single strand and generally pass smoothly through tissue. Braided sutures consist of multiple filaments and are often valued for flexibility and knot handling. Construction can influence bacterial adhesion, tissue interaction, handling and knot characteristics in the oral environment.
Clinical selection considerations
The most appropriate dental suture cannot be determined by absorbability alone. A qualified clinician may consider:
- the procedure and anatomical site;
- tissue quality, flap design and wound tension;
- the required duration of wound support;
- monofilament or braided construction;
- needle shape, curvature and size;
- handling and knot-security requirements;
- patient factors and the planned follow-up pathway; and
- the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between absorbable and non-absorbable dental sutures?
Absorbable sutures are broken down by the body over a material-specific period. Non-absorbable sutures resist absorption and usually require planned removal when used for temporary oral wound closure.
Are absorbable sutures always preferable in dental surgery?
No. The appropriate choice depends on the procedure, tissue, required support, material characteristics, patient factors and the clinician’s judgement.
Do non-absorbable dental sutures need to be removed?
When non-absorbable sutures are used for temporary oral closure, they are normally removed at a follow-up time determined by the treating clinician.
Which materials are commonly used for dental sutures?
Common absorbable materials include polyglactin 910, PGA and polydioxanone. Common non-absorbable materials include nylon, polypropylene, PTFE and silk.
Related reading
- Choosing the Right Dental Suture for Oral Surgery
- Best Sutures for Dental Implants
- VICRYL Absorbable Sutures for Dental Procedures