I'm in the process of having a tooth implant. I had a synthetic bone graph done a week ago. They stitched the area. But about 4 days ago I developed a canker sore near where it looks where maybe a couple of stitches may have ripped. This is the second time they had to fix the graph and restitch (the stitches had come loose and the power had started to dropped down a lot). I'm still on antibiotics, and ran out of my pain killer. Help! This canker sore is horrific !

Hi DancnDuk,

Based on your description I am wondering if the site was over filled with bone graft material (powder) and the collagen membrane that is used to cover the graft was not put it and that is why the sutures are not able to hold the tissue closed. You may be deficient in gum tissue in that area. The sore may be a result of bacteria or friction from that most recent suturing.

If the site is primarily closed over with sutures and this is a canker sore, then rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day will help. But if the site is open and graft material is able to come out easily, then rinsing could flush the graft out..... and that would not be good. Do not rinse with any mouthwash or put any kind of gel or anything at the the surgical site as it could contaminate the graft and result in failure and infection.

It is best to have the oral surgeon evaluate the area especially since you think the sutures have some loose again.

Bryanna