Comparison of Tensile Strengths of Synthetic and Natural Absorbable Sutures in Minor Oral Surgeries: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Comparison of Tensile Strengths of Synthetic and Natural Absorbable Sutures in Minor Oral Surgeries

Abstract

Background: Proper suture selection is important in oral surgery for uncomplicated healing. This study was conducted to compare the tensile strength of two absorbable natural and artificial sutures in minor oral surgeries. Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, two types of absorbable sutures, 0-4 Chromic catgut and Polyglycolic Acid (PGA) were randomly used in minor oral surgery in 16 systemically healthy patients. Tensile strength tests were performed for one part of the suture thread before suturing along with sutures removed on days 7 and 10 post-surgery (24 suture threads for each group). Suture parts were tested by a Universal Testing Machine for tensile strength. Results: The mean tensile strength of chromic catgut suture on day 0 was )10.40±1.61 N), 7th day (8.76±1.66 N), and 10th day )6.45±1.14 N). The mean tensile strength of the PGA suture thread on day 0 was (16.82±2.94 N), 7th (14.56±2.66 N), and 10th day (11.50±2.15 N). The mean tensile strength of the PGA suture was significantly higher at baseline, 7 and 10 days after surgery compared to the absorbable chromic catgut suture (p<0.001). In chromic catgut sutures and PGA sutures, the mean tensile strength on day 10 was significantly lower than on days 7 (p<0.05) and 0 days (p<0.001), and the mean tensile strength on day 7 was significantly lower than on day 0 (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that PGA sutures maintain significantly higher tensile strength compared to chromic catgut sutures throughout the post-surgical period. This suggests that PGA sutures may be more suitable for minor oral surgeries where higher tensile strength is required for optimal wound healing. Surgeons should consider the specific needs of the surgical site and the duration of healing when selecting the appropriate suture material.