SEM morphological analysis of the deformation on disposable scalpels used in dentistry

Disposable scalpel blades are routinely used in oral surgical procedures; however, their cutting-edge integrity may be compromised during clinical use, particularly during full-thickness flap elevation. Evidence regarding the relationship between incision length and blade deformation in intraoral surgery remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the presence and extent of deformation of commonly used dental scalpel blades as a function of the linear length of full-thickness oral incisions using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). An in vivo study was conducted on 96 patients undergoing oral surgical procedures requiring full-thickness flaps. Scalpel blades no. 11 and no. 15 from two manufacturers were evaluated and grouped according to incision length (0–2 cm, 2–4 cm, 4–6 cm, and 6–8 cm). Blade deformation was assessed under SEM by recording the presence of deformation, deformation length, and deformation width. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc tests (P ≤ 0.05). Overall, 94 of 96 blades (97.9%) exhibited deformation following clinical use. Deformation was observed in 91.7% of blades used for incisions up to 2 cm and in 100% of blades used for incisions exceeding 2 cm. Both deformation length and deformation width increased significantly with increasing incision length (P < 0.05). Blade morphology influenced deformation characteristics, with blade no. 15 showing greater deformation length and blade no. 11 exhibiting greater deformation width. No statistically significant differences were observed between manufacturers for blades of identical morphology (P > 0.05). Based on the present findings, disposable scalpel blades no. 11 and no. 15 undergo measurable deformation during clinical use in full-thickness oral surgical procedures. The presence, length, and width of blade deformation increase with the linear length of the incision, regardless of the manufacturer.