Topic Overview
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.
- Cuts the edge where the skin meets the 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 doctor has examined the wound.