Hi, I'm new to this thread and am hoping someone can answer my question/concern. I had implant surgery done six days ago on a front tooth (#7). The first day after surgery I could only see the black sutures where the periodontist had sewn up the incision. However, after a few days I noticed there was something white (looked like bone) that was sitting on my gum line. I'm not sure if it was there the first day of surgery or not but don't remember seeing it then. Today, one of the stitches came loose and was hanging down with the white matter sitting on the end of the stitch! The white material has a spongy feeling. I was able to move it back up to the gum with my tongue. I will be seeing the periodontist in two days to have the stitches removed. As it is a Sunday, I hate to try contacting him (not sure if he would even be available) but am not sure if I should be concerned or not. Can anyone tell me if what the white matter could be and if this is normal? Thanks for any help.

Hi rigal,

The white matter could be a piece of collagen or bone graft material. Not to worry, that small piece is insignificant.

FYI......it's not a good idea to push anything up into that open area even if you think it belongs there because anything that has fallen out of the surgical site becomes contaminated with bacteria. So you don't want to put that back in the surgical opening. Are you rinsing with warm salt water? If so, then the rinsing will help flush out the debris.

Thanks for asking your question..... if you have other concerns please feel free to post them here! Also, let us know of your progress with your dental implant

Bryanna