A Microbiological Analysis of Bacterial Adherence Around Different Suture Material at Impacted 3rd Molar Site- A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Suture materials are medical devices that holds the open wound margins together, it transfers the mechanical stress to deeper structures, helps in wound margination and wound healing, prevents infection. They are classified as synthetic/natural, absorbable/non-absorbable, monofilament/braided, etc., but suture materials can also be the source of infection if proper precautions are not taken. Material and methods: We present 60 cases of impacted third molar treated with transalveolar extraction. Four types of sutures, Vicryl, silk, prolene, and Ethilon, were selected and suturing done by the same operator. Patients were instructed not to use mouthwash or toothpaste for 1 week. After one week suture materials are collected and cultured in blood agar medium. They were graded on the basis of colony-forming units. Results: The results show both gram positive and negative bacteria & aerobic and anaerobic bacteria growth around every suture. It was maximum in case of Vicryl sutures and minimum for nylon sutures. Conclusion: All suture materials can be responsible for infection at surgical site as they have the capacity to havour bacteria. Braided sutures have more tendency for the same.