Evaluation of Sustainability of Mechanical Properties of Various Suture Materials Used in Periodontal Surgeries-An In Vivo Study
Author(s): Bhavana Garapati* and Thamaraiselvan Murugan
Abstract
Background: Mechanical properties of suture materials play an important role in clinical outcomes of periodontal surgery, thus any changes in these properties might influence the surgical wound healing. As there are various factors that can alter the physical and mechanical properties of suture materials when present in the oral cavity, sustainability of the properties is of much importance. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the sustainability of tensile strength of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Polyamide suture materials in patients undergoing periodontal flap surgery. Material and methods: A total of fourteen subjects who were indicated for surgical periodontal pocket management were included in this study. After Random allocation, Group1- Polyamide, Group 2- PTFE sutures were used. The Tensile strength of suture material was evaluated before and after surgery. Result: The baseline tensile strength was 2.10 ± 1.72 kgf.cm² and 5.70 ±1.76gf.cm² for polyamide and PTFE respectively. One week post-surgery it got reduced to 9.723 kgf.cm² and 7.036 kgf.cm² which were statistically significant within the group. However there was no statistically significant difference when compared between the groups. Conclusion: From our results it is wise to conclude that both PTFE and Polyamide have not retained their tensile strength and thus did not sustain throughout the healing period. Since the reduction in tensile strength of PTFE was minimal, it can be the material of choice for periodontal surgeries involving longer healing periods.