When closing tooth extraction sites, what are the recommended suture spacing and tag length?

• A. 3, 3
• B. 2, 2
• C. 4, 2
• D. 1, 5

Answer: (A)

Closing extraction sockets well relies on bringing the mucosal edges together with even contact and keeping the suture tails manageable. A spacing between sutures that isn’t too tight or too wide allows the tissues to approximate smoothly without crowding or leaving gaps, promoting reliable healing. A tail length that’s long enough to secure the knot but short enough to avoid irritation or debris buildup helps minimize patient discomfort and potential complications. This balanced combination—neither overly tight nor too spaced, with a subtle yet secure tail—best achieves stable closure and comfortable healing. Other patterns that skimp on spacing or extend the tails too long can increase the risk of dehiscence, irritation, or infection.