The Short Answer
Stitches placed after dental implant surgery in Hanoi are typically removed around 7–10 days after surgery, though some clinics use dissolvable sutures that don’t require a separate removal visit at all. Which type you have depends on your surgeon’s preference and the specifics of your case. If non-dissolvable stitches are used and you’re flying home to Australia or New Zealand before the 7–10 day mark, this needs to be planned for in advance — either by scheduling your return trip around it, or arranging removal with a local dentist once you’re home. This is general guidance; your dentist at Picasso Dental Clinic’s Hanoi Old Quarter flagship will confirm which suture type you have and the exact timing for your case.
Who This Guide Is For
This page is for Australian and New Zealand patients planning implant surgery in Hanoi who want to understand how stitch removal fits into their trip timeline — particularly if a short visit means you might not still be in Hanoi when stitches are due to come out.
Dissolvable vs Non-Dissolvable Stitches
- Dissolvable sutures break down on their own over roughly 1–3 weeks and don’t need a dedicated removal appointment — convenient for patients flying home shortly after surgery
- Non-dissolvable sutures need to be physically removed by a dentist, usually around 7–10 days after surgery
- Your surgeon decides which type to use based on the specifics of your procedure — this isn’t something you typically choose yourself, though you can ask which type is planned before surgery
Does Stitch Removal Hurt?
Removing non-dissolvable stitches is generally described as quick and not particularly painful — more of a brief pulling sensation than sharp pain — since the gum tissue around the stitches has already begun healing by that point. It’s a short in-chair procedure, not a repeat of the surgical experience.
Planning Stitch Removal Around Your Flight Home
This is the key logistical question for international patients:
| Scenario | What it means for your trip |
|---|---|
| Dissolvable stitches used | No removal appointment needed — stitches break down naturally after you’ve returned home |
| Non-dissolvable stitches, staying in Hanoi 10+ days | Removal can be done at the flagship before you fly |
| Non-dissolvable stitches, shorter trip | Ask your dentist in advance — options may include a home-country dentist removing them, or adjusting your itinerary |
Ask this question during your consultation, before surgery, so there are no surprises about whether you’ll need a second in-clinic visit or a local appointment back home.
What to Expect Around the Stitch Site Before Removal
- Mild puffiness or a slightly raised feeling around the stitches is common in the first week
- Gentle rinsing as instructed by your dentist helps keep the area clean without disturbing the stitches
- Avoid picking at, flossing directly over, or aggressively brushing the stitched area until your dentist clears it
- A stitch coming loose slightly before its removal date is usually not an emergency, but mention it to your dentist if it happens
Planning Your Hanoi Trip Around This
If you’re travelling from Australia or New Zealand to the Hanoi Old Quarter flagship (16 Phố Châu Long, Trúc Bạch, Ba Đình) for implant surgery, ask early on whether dissolvable or non-dissolvable stitches are planned, since this affects whether you need a longer stay or a follow-up visit before flying home via Noi Bai International Airport, about 45 minutes from the clinic. Patients staying in the area near Trúc Bạch Lake and West Lake (Hồ Tây) for a longer recovery window often find it convenient to fold a stitch-removal appointment into the same trip as their placement surgery, rather than needing to return separately.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
- Will I have dissolvable or non-dissolvable stitches for my procedure?
- If non-dissolvable, when exactly should they be removed, and can that be done before I fly home?
- What should I do if I need to fly home before the stitches are due to come out?
- Is it safe for a dentist back home to remove them if needed, or does it need to be done at Picasso Dental Clinic?
- What should I watch for at the stitch site in the days before removal?
Your Next Step
Send a recent panoramic X-ray or CBCT scan for a remote implant assessment and itemised quote, and ask specifically about suture type and expected trip length so stitch removal is planned into your itinerary from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after implant surgery are stitches removed?
Non-dissolvable stitches are typically removed around 7–10 days after surgery. Dissolvable stitches don’t require a removal visit and break down naturally over a similar or slightly longer period.
Does removing dental implant stitches hurt?
It’s generally described as a brief pulling sensation rather than significant pain, since the surrounding tissue has already started healing by the time stitches come out.
What if I need to fly home before my stitches are due to be removed?
This should be discussed with your dentist before surgery. Depending on suture type, options may include dissolvable stitches that don’t need removal, or arranging removal with a dentist in Australia or New Zealand once you’re home.
Can a dentist in Australia or New Zealand remove stitches placed in Hanoi?
In many cases, yes, though this is worth confirming with both your Hanoi dentist and your home dentist in advance so the arrangement is clear before you travel.
What happens if a stitch comes loose before removal day?
This isn’t necessarily an emergency, but you should mention it to your dentist. They can advise whether it needs attention or whether it’s a normal part of the healing process for your case.
Do all patients get the same type of stitches?
No. Your surgeon chooses dissolvable or non-dissolvable sutures based on your specific procedure. It’s reasonable to ask which type is planned during your consultation, especially if your trip length is tight.
For cost context alongside your recovery planning, see the single tooth dental implant guide and the dental implant cost in Vietnam breakdown. If bone grafting is part of your plan, read more on bone grafting. For broader recovery guidance, see flying after dental surgery and the dental implants Hanoi vs Australia cost comparison.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Trần Thanh Phong, DDS — Implantology
Head of Implantology at Picasso Dental — placing implants since 2001 (15,000+ to date), and the first dentist in Vietnam to perform the All-on-4 full-arch protocol (2010).
Last reviewed: July 21, 2026

