The Evaluation of Wound Healing Following Periodontal Flap Closure Using Interrupted Suturing Technique: A...

Introduction Successful periodontal flap surgery depends on stable wound closure and uncomplicated soft-tissue healing. Appropriate suturing techniques play a crucial role in flap stabilization, primary wound healing, and the reduction of postoperative discomfort, thereby influencing the overall success of periodontal therapy. This study aimed to evaluate wound healing following periodontal flap closure using an interrupted suturing technique by assessing the healing score, plaque index, probing pocket depth, and postoperative pain. Materials and methods This prospective clinical study included 30 systemically healthy patients requiring periodontal flap surgery. Following Phase I periodontal therapy, periodontal flap surgery was performed, and the flaps were repositioned and secured using the interrupted suturing technique. The primary outcome was wound healing, assessed using the Early Wound Healing Score (EHS) on postoperative days three, seven, and 14. Secondary outcomes included the plaque index and probing pocket depth, recorded at baseline and at two weeks, and postoperative pain, assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) on postoperative days three, seven, and 14. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for paired comparisons, while the Friedman test followed by a Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc analysis was used for repeated measures. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The study included 30 participants with a mean age of 35.03 ± 6.68 years. The plaque index significantly decreased from 1.32 (interquartile range (IQR): 1.16-2.00) at baseline to 0.53 (IQR: 0.32-0.67) at day 14 (p < 0.001). The probing pocket depth significantly decreased from 3.63 mm (IQR: 3.43-3.72) to 2.38 mm (IQR: 1.97-2.45) (p < 0.001). The EHS scores improved progressively from 6.00 (IQR: 6.00-7.00) on day three to 9.00 (IQR: 8.00-9.00) on day 14 (χ² = 53.51, p = 0.001), while the median VAS scores decreased significantly from 7.00 (IQR: 6.25-7.00) to 3.00 (IQR: 2.00-4.00) during the same period (χ² = 60.00, p = 0.001). Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc analysis demonstrated significant differences between all postoperative time points for both healing and pain scores. Conclusions Periodontal flap closure using the interrupted suturing technique was associated with favorable wound healing, reductions in plaque index and probing pocket depth, decreased postoperative pain, and progressive improvement in soft-tissue healing. Interrupted suturing may provide satisfactory flap adaptation and can be considered a practical method for flap closure following periodontal flap surgery; however, comparative studies are required to determine its relative effectiveness compared with other closure techniques.