ABSTRACT
Suture removal time is one of the most controversial issues after third molar surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate wound healings in relation with suture removal time after 5, 8, and 10 days following the third molar surgery. This clinical trial study with double blind method was conducted on 90 patients in need of third molar surgery. Patients were non-smokers and had no history of known systemic diseases. Sex and age range were similar in all study groups. The same suturing material as well as post surgery medications were used for all participants. Patients were then divided into 3 groups in order to have their suture removal at 5[th] [group A], 8[th] [group B], and 10[th] [group C] day following the surgery. Statistical analysis was conducted and Kruskal-Wallis and chi [2] tests were used for analyzing group differences and significance level by evaluating wound tension, wound healing and inflammation status. Group A, was almost without wound tension or had just a negligible amount of tension. Group B had 33% and group C had 17% of this condition [P<0.01]. Moderate to severe inflammation was measured 70% in group A, 23.3% in group B and 20% in group C [P<0.001]. Wound healing was 83% in group A, 17% in group B and 10% in group C [P<0.001] .Amount of tension in suture was 13.3% in group A, 70% in group B and 86.7% in group C [P<0.001]. Based on the results of this study, it seems that time factor plays an important role in wound healing. This is true as long as the suture tension is not reduced. Therefore, 8 days after the surgery is the best time for sutures removal