Intra-alveolar chlorhexidine gel for the prevention of dry socket in mandibular third molar surgery. A pilot study.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Chlorhexidine is a good prophylactic agent for post-extraction dry socket alveolitis. The bio-adhesive 0.2% chlorhexidine gel could improve this action since its intra-alveolar positioning would allow a more direct action on the alveolus and more prolonged action of the medication.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

We present a single blind, randomised study on 30 patients to evaluate the efficacy of the bio-adhesive 0.2% chlorhexidine gel, placed only once within the alveolus, on the reduction of the incidence of impacted third molar post-extraction dry socket alveolitis and its post-operative effects on patients.

RESULTS:

A reduction of 42.65% in the occurrence of alveolitis and a more favourable post-operative period in the experimental group was observed. In the control group, the appearance of alveolitis was 30.76% opposite to 17.64 % in the experimental group.

CONCLUSIONS:

The bio-adhesive 0.2% chlorhexidine gel, applied only once after the extraction of impacted third molars, seems to be an appropriate option for the reduction of alveolitis. It improves the buccal aperture and oedema in the post-operative period, although further double blind studies with larger samples are necessary.

• Authors: Daniel Torres-Lagares, Pedro Infante-Cossio, Jose Luis Gutierrez-Perez, Manuel Maria Romero-Ruiz, Manuel Garcia-Calderon, Maria Angeles Serrera-Figallo
• Journal: Medicina oral, patologia oral y cirugia bucal (Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal) Vol. 11 Issue 2 Pg. E179-84 (Mar 01 2006) ISSN: 1698-6946 [Electronic] Spain
• PMID: 16505800 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anti-Infective Agents, Local
• Gels
• Chlorhexidine

Topics

• Adult
• Alveolar Process
• Anti-Infective Agents, Local (administration & dosage)
• Chlorhexidine (administration & dosage)
• Dry Socket (etiology, prevention & control)
• Female
• Gels
• Humans
• Male
• Mandible
• Molar, Third
• Pilot Projects
• Single-Blind Method
• Tooth Extraction (adverse effects)
• Tooth, Impacted (surgery)