Efficacy of intra-alveolar chlorhexidine gel in reducing frequency of alveolar osteitis in mandibular third molar surgery

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of intra-alveolar administration of chlorhexidine (CHX) gel in reducing the frequency of alveolar osteitis (AO) after impacted mandibular third molar surgery.

Study design: A randomized control trial study.

Place and duration of study: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January to December 2007.

Methodology: One hundred patients including 65 males and 35 females with the age range 18-40 years were divided in two equal groups (50 each in the CHX and the control groups). Surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar was carried out and after surgery CHX gel was placed into the alveolus of CHX group. Patients were followed at the first, second and third postoperative days. A proforma indicating presence or absence of pain, blood clot disintegration, halitosis and AO was filled for each patient. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for qualitative data. Chi-square test was applied to compare both subgroups.

Results: Eighteen patients (18%) were diagnosed with AO (11 males and 7 females). Out of these 18 cases, 14 (28%) were found in control group (9 males and 5 females), while 4 cases (8%) in the CHX group (2 males and 2 females). This was statistically significant p=0.017.

Conclusion: Single application of CHX gel was effective in reducing frequency of AO following mandibular third molar surgery.