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.