Sutures can be removed 3 to 7 days followingsurgery, depending on the material and procedure. Forexample, nylon or silk sutures are removed from 3 to 5days after surgery if adequate healing has taken place.After the extraction site is examined by the dentist,suture removal can be delegated to the assistant.Irrigate or swab the suture site with an antisepticsolution to remove any debris. Locate and account forall the sutures placed during the surgical treatment.Use a hemostat or cotton forceps to gently lift thesuture away from the tissue to expose the attachment ofthe knot. With the scissors in the other hand, slip oneblade of the scissors under the suture and one bladeover the suture. Cut the suture material as close to thetissue as possible so that a minimum of material ispulled through the tissue. Grasp the knot and gentlyslide the suture out of the tissue. Take care not to pullthe knot through the tissue, since this causesunnecessary discomfort to the patient. Continue liftingand snipping the suture material until all sutures areremoved. Count and compare the number of suturesremoved with the number placed as indicated in thepatient’s record.Irrigate the surgical area withantiseptic solution if there is any bleeding.
