Tongue Laceration: Stitches - When and How?

Question
Hello,

My daughter bit her tongue pretty deep today.  The bleeding has stopped but it's pretty deep.  I was wondering if doctors use stitches on an oral laceration?  

Please advise and as always, thanks!

Answer
HE,

Depending on the location and depth of the tongue laceration and also the age of the individual would determine if absorbable suture was required.  You cannot for obvious reasons use Dermabond.  Non-absorbable suture is not a good choice.  Some times they are allowed to heal by secondary closure (without intervention) but I have in my career placed a stitch or two to close a wound.  Antibiotics is a good idea, since the mouth is a very dirty place and the chances of odontogenic infection are pretty high.  PCN is the drug of choice.  Have your daughter evaluated by a physician.

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net