Microbiologic Comparison of Silk, Polyester [Poly(ethyleneterephthalate)], Polyglycolic Acid, and Poly(glycolide-Co-Lactide) Suture Materials in Oral Surgery

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the microbiological colonization on different intraoral suture materials used in patients, undergone oral surgery. Material and Methods: Suture materials were applied to 60 patients during dentoalveolar surgical interventions. Patients were randomly divided into 4 groups of 15. Four different types of suture materials were introduced into the patients after surgical removal of their impacted lower third molars. In the postoperative seventh day, suture materials were removed. After these sutures were washed in sterile saline solution containing tubes, we performed various microbiological isolation and differentiation techniques. Results: In microbiological examination, 13 aerobic species, 7 anaerobic species, 1 yeast species, and 1 mold species were isolated from the non-absorbable suture materials. Eight aerobic strains, 9 anaerobic strains, and additionally, 1 yeast and 2 mold strains were isolated from the absorbable suture materials. Conclusion: In light of the data obtained, we believe that polyglycolic acid based suture materials might be preferred in oral surgery. However, this choice should be made by considering the other features of the suture materials. And also, since the colonization of pathogenic microorganisms could turn the sutures into a potential oral pathogen reservoir, sutures should be removed as soon as possible.