The present article describes the significance of suturing and appropriate suture materials in current periodontal and implant surgery. Synthetic, nonresorbable, monofilament threads appear to be advantageous. The physical and biological properties of such threads remain unchanged with use and, when used in small diameters (i.e. with lower breaking resistance), seem to promote passive wound closure. Wound healing at hard, nonshedding surfaces is conceptually a more complex process than is wound healing in most other sites of the oral cavity. Firm adaptation and stabilization of the flaps by optimal suturing ensures adhesion of the delicate fibrin clot to the nonshedding surface. The early formation and mechanical stability of the blood clot between the mucosal or mucoperiosteal flap and the wound bed are of paramount importance and hence suturing techniques must be considered as a key prerequisite to ensure optimal surgical outcomes. With the sophisticated surgical procedures now applied, there is a greater need for knowledge with regard to the various types of suturing techniques and materials available in order to achieve the above-mentioned goals.
© 2015 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.