Suturing has a variety of purposes; it helps to quicken the healing process, minimize bleeding, and hold things in place. There are also a number of different categories that sutures fall into, for example, natural, synthetic, resorbable, and non-resorbable. In today’s episode, I’m joined by my brother, Dr. Jake Stucki, for a discussion around the basics of suturing, and some of the suturing techniques that are commonly used by oral surgeons. We go through a number of cases that we have personally dealt with, and explain what informed our decisions around the type of suture we used in each case, as well as some of the mistakes we have made along the way!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Jake shares a few of the reasons that oral surgeons suture.
• Problems with doing a loose suture.
• Conclusions from studies that looked at results when suturing was done versus when it wasn’t.
• How oral surgeons generally deal with mandibular compared to maxillary third molar sites.
• The different categories of suture.
• Why a surgeon would use a non-resorbable suture.
• When it is a good idea to use fast-gut.
• A mistake Grant made when suturing a child with severe autism.
• Squaring the knot; what this suturing technique entails, and how long it can last if done correctly.
• How to decide how many knots to place and tips for keeping them tight.
• Advice for dealing with a very large flap.
• The benefits of switching sides when suturing.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Jake Stucki Email — jakestucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720 441 6059