M.Todd Brandt

Suturing principles in dentoalveolar surgery

One of the most important aspects of dentoalveolar surgery is adequate closure of the surgical wound. To ensure proper healing, there must be proper positioning of the soft tissues closest to their original position in a stable fashion, with the least amount of tension. Closure in this fashion decreases fibrous scarring, decreases the risk for infection, provides enhanced cosmesis, and facilitates hemostasis. The variety of suture material available is expansive, and many companies manufacture sutures with seemingly unlimited sizes, needle designs, and materials. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons have traditionally selected sutures on the basis of materials that were available during residency training. A decision made in this manner, however, may overlook the distinct physical properties of a given suture or its effect on the surrounding tissues. This chapter focuses on the physical properties of suture materials and their tissue reactivity, and it reviews various suturing techniques used in contemporary dentoalveolar surgery.