Objective: To compare figure-of-eight suture with interrupted suture in closing the wound of impacted third molar extraction. 

Methods: In this study, one hundred and ninety-nine impacted third molars referred for surgical extraction were eligible for inclusion. They were randomized into two groups: figure-of-eight suture (n=107) and interrupted suture (n=92). Hemorrhage, alveolar osteitis, pain, swelling and trismus were observed. 

Results:Our results indicated that figure-of-eight suture could not remarkably decrease postoperative hemorrhage, but it reduced the occurrence of alveolar osteitis. No differences were observed in pain, swelling or trismus. Interestingly, we found that the time to take out stitches was much less in the figure-of-eight suture group than in the interrupted suture group. 

Conclusion:The findings indicated that the technique of figure-of-eight suture may be an effective method for closing the wound from extraction of impacted third molars.