Funny you mention that plasticky taste—mine was more like I’d accidentally chewed on a balloon. I had my implant done last year and those stitches were the worst part for me, honestly. I kept checking with my tongue too, which probably didn’t help anything heal faster. My oral surgeon told me it’s totally normal to feel them for up to a week, sometimes even longer if your mouth runs a bit dry like mine does.
I got a little anxious when they didn’t dissolve as quickly as I thought they would. Ended up calling the office around day seven because I was convinced something was wrong. Turns out, some dissolve in a few days but others are designed to take their sweet time—closer to two weeks in my case. They said as long as there’s no swelling or weird pain, just leave them alone and they’ll do their thing.
Here’s a tip if you’re dealing with that plasticky taste: gentle saltwater rinses helped me out. Not too vigorous, just enough to keep things clean and take the edge off that odd flavor. Also, try not to poke at them too much with your tongue (easier said than done—I failed at that part).
I’ve had stitches before for other dental stuff and it always felt odd at first, but eventually you forget about them... until one day you realize they’re gone and your mouth finally feels normal again. The waiting is the hardest bit, but unless you see blood or get real pain, it’s usually just patience.
If it drags on much past two weeks or starts feeling worse instead of better, I’d say check in with your dentist just for peace of mind. But from what you’re describing, sounds like the usual post-surgery annoyance more than anything serious.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’d actually push back a little on the “just wait it out” advice. When I had my implant done, the stitches were supposed to dissolve in about 10 days, but by day 12 they still felt super tight and I started getting this weird throbbing sensation. No crazy pain or swelling, but something just felt off. I brushed it off at first (figured it was just my anxiety talking), but then I noticed a tiny bit of pus near the gum line—nothing dramatic, but enough to freak me out.
I called my dentist and they had me come in for a quick check. Turns out, one of the stitches had gotten a bit stuck under the gum and wasn’t dissolving like it should. They snipped it out in about two seconds, and honestly, I felt way better right after. My dentist said it’s not super common, but it happens—sometimes the body just doesn’t break down the suture material as fast as expected, or it gets trapped in a weird spot.
Not saying everyone needs to rush back at the first sign of something weird, but if you’ve got a gut feeling that something’s not right (or if you see any pus, even a little), it’s probably worth getting checked sooner rather than later. I’d rather feel a bit silly for being cautious than wait and end up with an infection.
And yeah, that plasticky taste is the worst. I tried saltwater rinses too, but ended up switching to a super bland mouthwash my dentist recommended—seemed to help a bit. The tongue thing is so real... I swear, the more you try not to poke at it, the more impossible it gets.
Anyway, just wanted to throw that out there for anyone else reading. Sometimes it really is nothing, but sometimes a quick check saves a ton of hassle. Trust your instincts if something feels off.
Couldn’t agree more about trusting your gut—sometimes it’s just a little paranoia, but other times, your body’s trying to tell you something. I see folks all the time who wait because they don’t want to be “that patient,” but honestly, I’d rather see someone for a quick check than have them tough it out and end up with an infection that needs antibiotics (or worse, another procedure). Pus is always worth a call, even if it’s just a smidge.
And yeah, those dissolvable stitches can be such drama queens. They’re supposed to vanish quietly, but every now and then they hang around like the last guest at a party. Happens more often than you’d think. If it feels tight or weird past the 10-day mark, there’s no shame in getting it checked. Way better than having your tongue play detective for two weeks.
That plasticky taste is the dental version of elevator music—annoying and impossible to ignore. Saltwater rinses are usually safe, but I’ve seen folks go overboard and end up with irritated gums. Less is more sometimes.
You nailed it with the “last guest at a party” bit—those dissolvable stitches really do overstay their welcome sometimes. I see people get anxious when they’re still there after a week or two, but honestly, it’s more common than you’d think. Sometimes the body just takes its sweet time breaking them down. I always tell folks, if it’s feeling tight, sore, or you notice anything weird (like a funky taste that won’t quit or swelling that’s getting worse), it’s worth popping in for a look. Better safe than sorry.
The plasticky taste is such a classic complaint. I remember after my own implant, that taste drove me nuts for days. Saltwater rinses helped, but I went a little overboard and ended up with irritated gums, just like you mentioned. It’s easy to think “more is better,” but a gentle rinse a couple times a day is usually enough.
Honestly, you’re doing the right thing by listening to your body. It’s not being paranoid—it’s just being smart about your health.
That plasticky taste is driving me a little crazy right now, honestly. I keep second-guessing if it’s normal or if something’s off. I’ve been sticking to the saltwater rinse twice a day, but sometimes I worry I’m not doing enough. Did anyone else notice their stitches hanging around for longer than expected? Mine are at day 10 and still pretty obvious. I know I’m probably overthinking it, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s slowing down the healing.
