Use of chlorhexidine 0.2% gel to prevent alveolar osteitis in mandibular third molar surgical extraction.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of 0.2% chlorhexidine gel placed intra alveolar in the prevention of alveolar osteitis after the surgical extraction of mandibular third molar. Study Design: Randomized Control trial. Setting: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, LUMHS, Jamshoro/Hyderabad. Period: January 2016 to July 2016. Material & Methods: This study consisted of 40 patients in control group A and 40 patients of Chlorohexidine gel group B used after surgical extraction. A single dose of 0.2% bio-adhesive gel was introduced in group B while the control group A was left alone. Postoperative complications like pain, swelling, limited mouth opening, and dry socket were seen. Frequency and percentages were calculated. Mean +/- SD were calculated for quantitative variables. Results: On 3rd day patients reported with pain in group A were 24 and in group B were 15. Pain was seen in 4 patients (10%) on 15^th day in group A while in group B no patient came with pain. 19 patients reported with dry socket on day 3 in group A and 4 patients in group B, While none of the patient encountered with Dry socket on 15^th day in group in both groups. Conclusion: The data presented indicates that the bio-adhesive gel containing 0.2% chlorohexidine, applied post-extraction produced a better patient recovery.