It is important to determine whether your wound needs to be closed by a doctor. Your risk of infection increases the longer the wound remains open. Most wounds that require closure should be stitched or closed with skin adhesives (also called liquid stitches) within 6 to 8 hours after the injury. Some wounds that require treatment can be closed as long as 24 hours after the injury.
A cut or puncture inside your mouth may need stitches if it:
- Is deeper than 0.25 in. (7 mm) and has jagged edges, gapes open, or leaves a loose flap of tissue.
- Is deeper than 0.25 in. (7 mm) and longer than 0.75 in. (20 mm) when the edges are pulled apart.
- Goes all the way through the cheek or lip.
- Continues to bleed after 15 minutes of direct pressure.
Even a small cut on the lip may be stitched to prevent a scar.
If treatment may be needed, do not use an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment until after a health professional has examined the wound.
Credits
| Author | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Editor | Alison Allen |
| Editor | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist |
| Last Updated | December 1, 2006 |
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