Effect of Common Mouthwashes on Mechanical Properties of Suture Materials Used in Dental Surgeries: A Laboratory Experiment

BACKGROUND: Sutures play a pivotal role in promoting healing in any surgical procedure. However, the versatile nature of the oral environment entails additional properties in the suture materials to assure uneventful healing. A surgeon needs to understand these delicate intricacies in the immediate postoperative phase and needs some kind of algorithm in the selection of sutures that suits the different surgical scenarios. Therefore, a study was designed to observe the effect of four different types of mouthwash, viz. Avohex, Aloedent, Parodontax and Betadine, on the mechanical properties of Vicryl (polyglactin 910), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), Prolene (polypropylene) and Mersilk. METHODS: A total of 288 suture samples were divided in four equal groups (72 = each group) and used for the experiments. Tensile load, tensile strength as well as percentage elongation of the suture materials were evaluated in the various stated media at 3rd, 7th, 10th and 14th days, which were compared with the controls. The results were analyzed statistically and inferences were drawn. RESULTS: Mersilk in (Avohex, Parodontax and Betadine) solutions showed a statistically significant decrease in tensile load over time. All the sutures had the highest tensile strength in Parodontax and had the lowest in Betadine solution. Vicryl and PTFE presented significant percentage elongation over time as compared to Prolene and Mersilk. CONCLUSION: The author has given certain recommendations but also states that there is no standard rule for the use of a particular suture material in all clinical situations. However, the selection of the suture material should be based on the type of surgery and preferences of the surgeon.