Evaluation of antibacterial efficacy and healing with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive after periodontal flap surgery

Surgical pocket therapy entails raising a mucoperiosteal flap in order to carry out effective debridement so as to eliminate periodontal pockets and result in a healthy periodontium. Braided silk is the most commonly used suture material following periodontal flap surgery. Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives are slowly gaining popularity as wound closure agents. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the antibacterial and healing properties of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives following periodontal flap surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing full mouth periodontal flap surgery were randomly selected for placement of cyanoacrylates or silk sutures using split mouth study design. Wound healing was evaluated at 1 week using Early Wound Healing Index. Supragingival pooled plaque samples were collected for analysis of total bacterial count at 1week follow up using lawn cultures in blood agar. Pain and burning sensation with cyanoacrylates during and post surgery was recorded using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Silk sutures showed improved wound healing when compared with cyanoacrylates. However, use of cyanoacrylates resulted in reduced bacterial colony counts thereby exhibiting antibacterial properties. Enhanced patient compliance was noted with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives. SIGNIFICANCE: Cyanoacrylates can be used as an alternative to silk sutures for periodontal wound closure. KEY WORDS: Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive, silk sutures, antibacterial efficacy, wound healing