Comparison of the Effect of Sling and Single Interrupted Sutures on Periodontal Parameters after Surgical Extraction of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the sling and single interrupted sutures regarding dehiscence, probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) of adjacent second molars after surgical extraction of impacted or semi-impacted mandibular third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical trial, with a split-mouth design, involved 25 patients with similar bilateral impaction of their mandibular third molars. The same surgeon performed surgical procedures, including a triangular flap and osteotomy. After surgical extraction of third molars, the distal surface of the flap was sutured with sling sutures on one side and single interrupted sutures on the other side. The allocation of suture type to the side of the jaw was random, and the patient was blinded to it. Patients were examined for dehiscence after 7 and 14 days. The PPD and CAL were recorded at the baseline and after 17 weeks. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression model. RESULTS: The sling suture was significantly superior regarding the improvement of PPD (P=0.041) and CAL (P=0.016). The dehiscence was significantly smaller in the single interrupted suture group 7 days postoperatively (P=0.059). This difference was not significant 14 says postoperatively (P=0.852). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that the sling suture was superior to the single interrupted suture regarding PPD and CAL. However, the technique of suturing does not seem to have a significant long-term effect on wound dehiscence.