Comparative evaluation of n-butyl cyanoacrylate with braided silk suture after periodontal flap surgery: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim and objective: This clinical study was carried out to compare the efficacy of N-butyl cyanoacrylate with braided silk sutures after a periodontal flap surgery in terms of wound healing, postoperative pain experienced by study subjects, and the time required for completion of flap closure. Materials and methods: Forty patients with moderate to severe generalized periodontitis were divided into two treatment groups. Test group (N-butyl cyanoacrylate) and control group (3-0, braided silk sutures). Wound healing, postoperative pain experienced by study subjects, and the time required for completion of flap closure were assessed. Repeated measure ANOVA was done for intragroup comparison at different time intervals. Independent student t-test was done for intergroup comparison. Results: Wound healing was better in the test group in the early stages and postoperative pain and the time required for the flap closure were significantly less in the cyanoacrylate group. Conclusion: N-Butyl cyanoacrylate is a reliable alternative to conventional sutures as it is easy to apply, shortens the operation time, causes a less inflammatory response, and reduces postoperative pain while facilitating primary closure similar to conventional silk sutures. Clinical significance: N-Butyl cyanoacrylate a newer tissue adhesive is painless, biocompatible, better tissue handling, less time-consuming, and better acceptability by the patient for the closure of flaps than silk sutures.