Choosing the correct surgical sutures depends on many factors, such as the location of the suture and the type of skin tissue. Dental suturing requires material that will also withstand the moisture and temperature of a patient’s mouth.

What is Polyglycolic Acid?

Polyglycolic acid, polyglycol, PGA, or vicryl is a biodegradable synthetic absorbable fibre. It’s typically coated to allow for a smooth passage through the tissues, which also facilitates proper knotting. As opposed to other materials like catgut where the sutures are absorbed through proteolytic enzymatic digestion, it is completely absorbed through hydrolysis. And, unlike sutures made of catgut, vicryl sutures are 100% vegan.

Which Brand to Choose?

While synthetic sutures are sold by a number of companies, it’s important when choosing the right brand to look beyond the material; each product is slightly different. Here’s how three companies compare:

● DemeTech PGA Sutures

○ After 3 weeks post-operation, 51% of tensile strength retained.

○ Complete absorption 60–90 days

○ Hydrolytic absorption

● Dolphin Petcryl PGA Sutures

○ After 3 weeks post-operation, 50% of tensile strength retained.

○ Complete absorption within 60–75 days

○ Hydrolytic absorption

● Ethicon Coated VICRYL Plus Antibacterial polyglactin 910 Suture

○ After 3 weeks post-operation, 50% of tensile strength retained.

○ Complete absorption within 56–70 days

○ Hydrolytic absorption, which research shows presents less tissue reaction

○ Antibacterial

While most of these features are either similar or identical across the board, Ethicon Coated VICRYL sutures are the only commercially available brand of antibacterial sutures that kill and fight off bacteria commonly associated with surgical site infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Tests show that the colonization of bacteria is inhibited from the the sutured area where the antibacterial sutures were used. But that isn’t the only thing that sets this product apart. According to Ethicon, “the design of the dispensing tray minimizes suture memory and offers easier handling for surgeon and nurse.” Before you even remove the suture from its packaging, the product is already saving you time and preventing the growth of bacteria.

To purchase Ethicon surgical sutures, be sure to check out Dental Brands' catalogue.

Dental Brands: 1-888-441-0443

Sources: http://www.demetech.us/polyglycolic_acid.php http://www.dolphinsutures.com/pga-sutures http://www.ethicon.com/healthcare-professionals/products/wound-closure/absorbable-sutures/coated-vicryl-plus-antibacterial#!description-and-specs http://www.medicommers.hu/katalogus/2-35.pdf