I had my third molar removed due to prior root canal making tooth brittle and split lengthwise incurring infection. Tooth removed 10/25/14. Large hole, using 3 cadaver bone powders due to size. Teflon membrane put on top. I am to have the non-absorbable sutures remove two weeks post operative. The membrane is clearly visible and will certainly not be covered my my gums by next Thursday. Do they postpone the suture removal, or remove the membrane to close the hole, or what? I assumed the two sides would meet and heal before suture removal.

Hi mhmyers,

Do not touch that wound or try to move anything. These type membranes are used when the wound is very large and there is not enough gum tissue to close over. It is typical to see that membrane at the opening underneath the sutures. These are non resorbable membranes and not meant for the gum tissue to cover it. They are used to keep the bone graft in place.

The gum tissue of this wound will not close over for a few weeks or so. It is best to see your dentist next thursday to evaluate the area. He will decide then if the sutures should be removed or not.

Hope this information helps.
Bryanna



The membrane will