Biomechanical evaluation of cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive for intraoral wound closure

The aim of this study was to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of a novel cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive (CTA) for soft-tissue closure of the (non-) tooth-bearing alveolar process and around dental implants.

Halves of porcine mandibles (n = 21) were randomly divided into three experimental intraoral wound closure groups (A-C) with three different mucoperiosteal flap types (F1-3, n = 7 each): F1, crestal incision between the last incisor and the canine with a mesial and distal vestibular relief; F2, crestal double-T-shaped incision and dental implant placement between the canine and the first premolar; and F3, trapezoidal incision on the second premolar. F1-3 were respectively closed using (A) monofil non-resorbable sutures, (B) CTA, and (C) a combination of both. Tensile strength (TS) and elasticity (E) measurements were performed for biomechanical analysis.

In F1, CTA showed a significantly reduced TS compared to A (p < 0.001) and C (p < 0.01). In F2, an increased TS of C compared to A (p < 0.01) and B (p < 0.001) was found. Here, E was significantly increased in C compared to B (p < 0.02). In F3, TS was significantly decreased in B compared to A (p < 0.01) and C (p < 0.001). The E in group C was significantly increased compared to B (p < 0.01).

Different biomechanical characteristics between CTA and sutures were found. CTA could be a possible alternative to sutures for intraoral wound closure in special conditions.

A combination of both, suturing and CTA, could be a promising option in critical soft-tissue wounds requiring high functional stability and elasticity.