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Oral tissue reactions to suture materials
K A Selvig1, G R Biagiotti, K N Leknes
1Department of Dental Research, University of Bergen School of Dentistry, Norway.
Summary
Oral suture materials cause intense inflammation and bacterial invasion, unlike skin reactions. Synthetic monofilament sutures show milder tissue responses, suggesting better biocompatibility in the oral environment.
Area of Science:
- Oral surgery
- Histology
- Biomaterials science
Background:
- Suture materials elicit varying tissue responses depending on location.
- Oral tissues present unique challenges due to constant moisture and microbial presence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the histological tissue reactions to different suture materials in the oral mucosa.
- To evaluate the impact of the oral environment on suture degradation and tissue integration.
Main Methods:
- Histologic analysis of biopsy specimens from beagle dogs with sutures in gingiva and oral mucosa.
- Evaluation of tissue reactions at 3, 7, and 14 days post-implantation.
- Assessment of inflammatory response, bacterial invasion, epithelialization, and connective tissue changes.
Main Results:
- Oral suture reactions were more rapid and intense than in skin.
- Bacterial invasion was common, especially with silk sutures.
- Synthetic monofilament sutures demonstrated a milder inflammatory response.
- Chromic gut sutures showed rapid and unpredictable absorption in the moist oral environment.
Conclusions:
- The oral environment promotes prolonged tissue responses to sutures due to microbial contamination.
- Synthetic monofilament sutures appear more biocompatible for oral mucosal use.
- Standard suture materials like chromic gut may not perform predictably in the oral cavity.