In 15 patients undergoing intraoral surgery the colonization of different surgical suture materials with oral bacteria was testet. Culturing removed sutures of defined length and weight showed a mean of 108 CFU of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in Monocryl® and Deknalon® as well. The predominance of anaerobe pathogens (Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus micros) suggests a relevance of suture colonization as a potential risk for wound infection. Early removal of suture materials is recommended. Schlagwörter: surgical suture, colonization, oral bacteria, wound infection