COMPARATIVE CLINICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICIENCY OF ANTIBIOTIC-COATED SUTURES VERSUS NON-COATED SUTURES IN PERIODONTAL FLAP SURGERY

Introduction: Flap surgeries can be followed by some complications due to the infection of the operating site. Sutures at the operating site can predispose to surgical site infections by harbouring the microorganisms due to their wicking action. Triclosan-coated antibacterial sutures can be used an effective substitute to traditional sutures due to its ability to reduce biofilm. Aim: This trial evaluates clinically and microbiologically the effectiveness of antibacterial coated sutures compared to non-coated ones. Materials and Methods: 20 sites in 10 systemically well patients were diagnosed with Stage III Periodontitis [2017 AAP Classification] and was allotted into group A and group B randomly in a split-mouth design for the research. Flap surgery was performed, and in Group A, triclosan-coated polyglycolic acid braided sutures were placed and in Group B non-coated polyglycolic acid braided sutures were placed. In both the groups, Visible Plaque Index (VPI) and total microbial colony count on the suture were assessed on the suture removal day. Healing Index (HI) was assessed on the 8^th day and day 30. Other clinical parameters were evaluated and recorded at baseline, 3^rd month and 6^th month post-therapy. Results: Visible plaque was reduced to 50% in the triclosan group and there was a momentous variation in the microbial load amid the two groups. Conclusion: Triclosan-coated antibacterial sutures can be an efficacious alternative to conventional sutures to lessen the frequency of surgical site infections (SSIs).