Alteration of the manipulative properties of plain gut suture material by hydration

Abstract

Hydration of plain gut suture material alters themanipulative properties of the material in a manner that makes it a feasible alternative to silk suture material for endodontic surgical procedures. The technique of suture hydration is described and the consequences of hydration, namely, alteration of tensile strength and percentage of elongation, are examined. This testing of plain gut suture material is accomplished by using a universal testing machine to apply tension to equivalent lengths of gut suture material in either a hydrated or nonhydrated state.