Evaluation of the perioperative use of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate for the prevention of alveolar osteitis after the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars: a clinical study.

PURPOSE

To clinically evaluate the perioperative use of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate for the prevention of alveolar osteitis, to assess the patient compliance to chlorhexidine and to prepare a comprehensive treatment plan to prevent alveolar osteitis after removal of an impacted third molar extraction.

METHODS

A prospective study was done on 50 patients with bilaterally impacted lower third molars which were indicated for extraction. Extraction of impacted mandibular third molar on one side was done without using any mouthrinse. While extracting the third molar on the other side, patients were instructed to use chlorhexidine 0.2% mouth rinse for 8 days, 1 day preceding and 7 days following the surgery. They were instructed to use chlorhexidine 0.2% (Rexidine) mouth rinse for 30 s twice a day (before breakfast and after dinner) with 15 ml of the rinse with 1:1 dilution with clean water. All the patients were evaluated for pain, presence or absence of clot and condition of the alveolar bone for the diagnosis of dry socket.

RESULTS

Incidence of dry sockets was 8%, when patients did not use 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate perioperatively which is statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

It appeared that the incidence of dry socket can be reduced significantly by using 0.2% chlorhexidne gluconate mouth rinse perioperatively (twice daily, 1 day before and 7 days after surgical extraction.