Xavier 2008.

Study characteristics
Methods	Study design: RCT (split‐mouth) Conducted in: Recife, Brazil Recruitment period: May to September 2004
Participants	Inclusion criteria: participants consecutively enrolled between May and September 2004 for surgical extraction of bilateral impacted lower third molars. Both wisdom teeth had to be in similar position according to Pell and Gregory classification. Exclusion criteria: history of significant systemic pathology, or use of any medication that could interfere with the repair process Number of participants randomised: 20 Number of participants evaluated: 20
Interventions	Partial wound closure versus complete wound closure Group A (n = 20 teeth): sutures on attached gum only Group B (n = 20 teeth): complete suture was performed on free and attached gums Procedures performed under local anaesthetic, both teeth extracted in same session by same surgeon. Follow‐up: days 3, 7, and 15, and 3 months
Outcomes	Pain, swelling, trismus at 7 days, probing depth 3 months postoperation
Notes	Sample size calculation: not reported E‐mail sent 29 March 2012 requesting further information. No reply received.
Risk of bias
Bias	Authors' judgement	Support for judgement
Random sequence generation (selection bias)	Unclear risk	Quote: "2 groups were established on randomised basis (by allotment)" Comment: method of sequence generation not described
Allocation concealment (selection bias)	Unclear risk	Not mentioned
Blinding (performance bias and detection bias) patient	Low risk	Double‐blinded
Blinding (performance bias and detection bias) assessor	Low risk	Double‐blinded; assumed that both participants and clinical outcome assessor blinded to treatment
Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias) All outcomes	Low risk	All randomised participants included in outcome evaluation.
Selective reporting (reporting bias)	Unclear risk	All planned outcomes reported.
Other bias	Unclear risk	No other sources of bias identified.