Effect of 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash on Tensile Strength Retention of Absorbable Suture Materials: An In vitro Study

IntroductIonSuture materials are crucial for healing because they preserve tissue integrity and approximate flap edges over time.If wound closure is not achieved, wound dehiscence or delayed healing may result, with ensuing functional and cosmetic issues.Due to the type of tissues involved, the continuous presence of saliva, the high tissue vascularization, and the processes associated with speaking, mastication, and swallowing, suturing in dentistry differs from suturing in other sections of the body.Certain physical attributes, such as high tensile strength, dimensional stability, memory loss, knot security, and sufficient flexibility to prevent oral mucosal injury, are necessary for appropriate sutures. 1,2 Suturing tissues maintains tissue integrity in the oral environment, encourages essential healing, and plays a significant role in the outcome of surgical treatments.Sutures are mostly employed to approximate tissues and to ligate blood vessels.Suture materials can be generically categorized according to their source (natural or synthetic), resorption capability (absorbable or nonabsorbable), and manner of manufacture (braided or monofilament).The optimal suture material is determined by the degree of persistence, predictability, flexibility, and minimal inflammatory reaction of various suture materials. 3Inaccurate flap margin approximation results in a delayed or hindered healing process.Wound closure requires elimination of dead space, uniform