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This article highlights the importance of proper suturing of mucosa, gingiva, and skin after surgical procedures and trauma. Several factors play a role in promoting good healing, including optimal tension on the sutured wound, adequate blood flow, and careful selection of suture materials. The selected suture material depends on various factors, such as type of tissue, location of the wound, and healing time. Different suture techniques are discussed, including interrupted sutures, continuous sutures, horizontal and vertical mattress sutures, each with their own specific applications and benefits. Skillfulness in suture techniques and appropriate material selection contribute to effective wound healing and optimal outcomes.

The oral mucosa is made up of an epithelium supported by the lamina propria and the submucosa. When the mucosa is damaged, wound healing is characterized by distinct, sequential phases. How does the healing process proceed? Both primary and secondary wound healing, encompasses haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodelling. Secondary healing also involves a granulation phase to cover the wound. Saliva and the oral microbiome play a role in the healing process, too. Smoking, certain systemic disorders and medication can have a negative effect on the healing process.

A 50-year-old woman presented at the outpatient clinic of the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery with a severe swelling around the left eye 1 week after removal of the second molar in the upper jaw. Despite administration of antibiotics 2 days after the removal of the molar because of periorbital swelling, the inflammation spread to the intraorbital space with eventual loss of the left eye. Timely recognition of the symptoms of (the onset of) an orbital infection after dental treatment and immediate referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and/or ophthalmologist for adequate treatment can be vision-saving. Fortunately, orbital infections with an odontogenic cause are rare.

A 90-year old woman attended a department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery with a tongue that had been painful for at least 3 months. Clinical examination revealed extensive bullous and ulcerative lesions located on the tongue, the oral vestibule and the buccal mucosa on both sides. A variety of diseases may be causative of ulcerative stomatitis: autoimmune diseases (like Pemphigus vulgaris, Erosive Lichen Planus, SLE or M. Crohn), or a viral, bacterial or mycotical infection, vitamin deficiency, a toxic reaction to medication or an immune deficiency. After an extensive, clinical examination, a definitive diagnosis still had not been achieved. The patient suffered from osteoporosis, for which she used alendronate (Fosamax). A study of the literature described a possible relationship between the occurrence of oral ulcers and the use of oral biphosphonates. Since a toxic reaction to alendronate was suspected, the use of Fosamax tablets was suspended. Three months later a complete recovery of the oral mucosa was observed.

To obtain good and uncomplicated primary fracture healing, anatomical repositioning, direct bone apposition and stable fixation are mandatory. The course of primary fracture healing starts with acute inflammation (cellular and vascular), stabilization (formation of new bone), and remodeling. Besides good fixation, local factors such as age and type of fracture will influence the healing. If good reposition, apposition or adequate stabilization of the bony fragments are not achieved, the bone healing will be secondary. In secondary healing fracture repair and stabilization occurs through the formation of callus.

The variety of patients with dental anxiety is large. A classification is made containing four types of patients, using criteria related to fear complexity and specificity. Analysing the issues provoking dental fear, the anxiety for loss of control is a major one. Procedures of guiding and treating patients related to their classification have been briefly described.