Gingival fluid flow after gingivectomy related to mechanical or chemical plaque control.

The effects of mechanical tooth cleaning and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinses on healing after gingivectomy were compared in 8 patients by means of a "split mouth" technique. The experiment began after periodontal pack removal on day 7. Gingival fluid was sampled immediately before and on days 14, 21, 28, 35 after gingivectomy. The results showed that mechanical and chemical plaque control were equally effective in promoting healing after gingivectomy as evaluated by gingival fluid measurements.