Nano-silver Suture as a New Application for Healing of Periodontal Flaps

Background: It has been postulated that conventional suture materials such as silk may enhance bacterial biofilm growth causing delay in healing of surgical sites. Nano-silver particles (NS) with their anti-bacterial agent properties could be helpful. This study evaluates the role of Nano-silver particles on the inflammatory process of gingival suture in comparison with usual silk suture in animal model. Materials and methods: In this double-blind clinical random study, 12 female rabbits with normal teeth and no periodontal disease had been found by clinical and radiographic examinations were selected. Our innovated Nano-silk suture, Nano-silver particles coated on the surface of conventional silk suture in specific environment, was prepared in sterile condition and under special circumstances with Nano-silver particles. Two different density of Nano-silk (A and B) were prepared. A suture contained 60 ng of silver and B sutures included 120 ng of silver. Nano-silk sutures thread and conventional silk suture thread were sutured on the buccal surface of the gingiva of mandibular incisors. Histological changes on 4th and 7thsday after suturing were evaluated to assess the inflammatory process. Results: The histological results showed that the application of this new suture material may improve inflammation process and promote wound healing. We also observed a relatively marked difference between the two groups in the 4th and 7th days in the inflammatory cell's components and edema. These two parameters are important factors in the wound inflammation process. Our results suggested that the density of Nano-silver particles in Nano-silk B causes less inflammatory response in comparison with Nano-silk A and therefore a better scaffold for parenchymal and mesenchymal factors is made one week after surgery Conclusion: Silver particles due to their beneficial effects as antibacterial and wound healing accelerator in the periodontal surgeries could reduce inflammation and promote healing process. So Nano-silver sutures could be helpful for and produce a more favorable healing when used in oral and maxillofacial surgery.