REACTION OF ORAL TISSUES TO SUTURE MATERIALS .3.

The response of oral tissues to ten different suture materials was studied histologically in dogs. The monofilament suture materials (polypropylene, gut, nylon, and chromic) were associated with less severe reactions than the multifilament materials (Teflonized braided polyester, siliconized braided silk, braided polyester fiber, linen, and braided silk). These findings indicate that the oral tissue response is related to the physical nature of the suture and that Teflon or silicone treatment of the suture does not appreciably alter the comparative response. Brown and Brenn staining of the tissue sections demonstrated particles which were interpreted to be bacteria within the interstices of the multifilament suture materials. This suggests that variation in the transmission of bacteria accounts for the difference in tissue response and that silicone and Teflon treatment does not render the suture impervious to bacteria. © 1969.