Gut suture or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)? Square knot or surgeon’s knot? Simple interrupted or mattress suture? The abundance of available techniques, materials, and clinical applications can be overwhelming.
Fortunately, the vast majority of clinical scenarios can be addressed by understanding basic technique and fundamental concepts.
This guide will review wound healing, suture types and materials, and basic and advanced techniques to equip the dental provider with a foundation in wound closure and management.
After completing this article, the reader should be able to:
1. Gain a fundamental understanding of tissue repair and the role of suturing
2. Recognize the various types of suture materials and needles
3. Learn fundamental suture techniques and ergonomics
4. Determine alternative suture techniques and their indications.
The evolution of suturing materials presents the dental practitioner with refinements designed for specific surgical procedures.
Such innovations not only facilitate the clinician during closure but also decrease potential postoperative complications to the patient.
This text aims to provide the dental practitioner a practical guideline for “suturing,” and help lift the mystery clouding everyday clinical scenarios.
