Suturing for optimal soft tissue management.

For optimal postsurgical wound healing, non-tension primary wound closure of various soft tissue flaps must be established. Surgical procedures that require clinical flap manipulation (such as those used with traditional periodontal therapy, periodontal plastic cosmetic surgery, hard and soft tissue regeneration, and the excision of pathologic tissue) also require excellent execution and a thorough understanding of the various techniques of surgery, suturing, and the materials currently available for the desired clinical results. This article discusses the rationale behind specific suturing techniques and suture materials to aid the clinician with optimal wound closure.