What are sutures primarily used for?

Sutures are primarily used to control bleeding and promote healing after surgical procedures. They serve to hold tissue together, which is essential after incisions or wounds, allowing the body to heal properly. By securing the edges of the tissue, sutures help to minimize the risk of infection, reduce the potential for complications, and support the healing process overall. This function is critical in dental procedures where soft tissue such as gums may be incised or manipulated.

The other options tend to focus on different aspects of dental treatment that are not directly related to the primary purpose of sutures. For example, enhancing the appearance of teeth pertains more to cosmetic procedures, replacing missing teeth is associated with dental prosthetics or implants, and administering medication involves treatments that don’t directly relate to the fundamental role of sutures in surgery.