Evaluation of efficacy of absorbable antibacterial suture over silk suture in the closure of extraction socket of impacted mandibular third molars-a randomized controlled study

Background: The main aim of this study was to compare the use of absorbable antibacterial suture material with silk suture in the procedure of lower third molar extractions. Materials and Methods: 30 subjects with impacted lower third molars were randomly divided into two equal groups. The control group had wound closure with silk suture and test group with absorbable antibacterial suture. Subjects were followed up for one month postoperatively. Postoperative pain, swelling, mouth opening, food lodgment, socket size and complications were evaluated. Results: No significant difference was observed in the postoperative swelling, mouth opening, food lodgment. There was statistically significant difference in pain and socket diameter between two groups. Conclusion: This study shows that the use of antibacterial suture gives slightly better patient acceptance than silk suture in managing the postoperative sequelae of impacted third molar extraction.