Comparison of silk sutures and 2–ethyl–cyanoacrylate on wound closure following surgical crown lengthening using apically positioned flap surgery

Dr. A. Moghareh Abed* - Dr. M. E'tesampoor**

* Assistant Professor of Periodontics Dept., Faculty of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

** Dentist.

Background and Aim: The use of cyanoacrylate tissue glue as an alternative to silk sutures has increased due to its various advantages. The purpose of this experimental study was to compare the clinical outcome of surgical crown lengthening using silk sutures and 2–ethyl–cyanoacrylate.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-two individuals with no history of systemic diseases and good oral hygiene were selected from patients referred to the Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. Following apically positioned flap surgery, the wounds were closed by silk sutures and 2–ethyl–cyanoacrylate in the control and experimental groups, respectively. Bleeding, pain and healing-time were evaluated 1, 2, 3, and 10 days postoperatively. Sign and Friedman tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results: A significant difference was observed in bleeding between the two groups at days 1 and 2 (P<0.01) but not days 3 and 10. In both groups, the bleeding index decreased significantly with time. Pain indices were significantly different between the two groups on the first and second days (P<0.01, P<0.05), but not the third and tenth days. Wound healing significantly improved in the test - as compared to the control group at day 10 (P<0.05). The two groups showed no significant difference in terms of infection at day 10.

Conclusion: The use of cyanoacrylate in crown lengthening surgery can improve wound healing and reduce bleeding and pain, especially compared to suturing techniques. However, the differences between these two methods decrease with time.

Key words: Suture - Tissue glue - Crown lengthening - Appically positioned flap