The Efficacy of 1% Chlorhexidine Gel on the Reduction of Dry Socket Occurence Following Surgical Third Molar Extraction— Pilot Study

Jehona Ahmedi, Enis Ahmedi, Zana Agani, Vjosa Hamiti, Bylbyl Reçica, Arlinda Tmava-Dragusha

Department of Oral Surgery, University Dental Clinical Center of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo.
Department of Prosthodontists, University Dental Clinical Center of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo.

DOI: 10.4236/ojst.2014.43023                

Abstract

Aim & Objectives: The aim of this prospective pilot-study was to assess the efficacy of intra alveolar application of 1% chlorhexidine gel (CHX) on the reduction of dry socket (DS) occurrence following surgical extraction of mandibular third molars. Materials and Methods: A randomized split-mouth-design study included twenty-five patients with bilaterally impacted lower third molars (partial or full bone) requiring full thickness mucoperiastal flap reflection for extraction. Following surgical extraction of third lower molar, 2 ml of gel containing 1% chlorhexidine digluconate (Chlorhexamed? Gel 1%) were placed in the experimental side, and saline solution was used for irrigation in the control side of extraction sockets, both followed by suturing of extraction site. The surgeries and follow up examinations were performed by the same surgeon. The follow up visits were performed at 48 hours and on day seven, post surgery where presence or absence of dry socket using the Blum criteria for diagnosis was evaluated and pain intensity by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) 0 - 100 was observed. Results: In this pilot study, dry socket was present in 4.0 and 28.0% of cases in the experimental and control groups, respectively (P = 0.048). Fisher’s test revealed a statistically significant reduction of dry socket occurrence following the use of 1% CHX gel versus saline solution. Conclusion: The application of CHX gel 1% may significantly reduce the incidence of DS following third molar extraction. Prophylactic use of CHX gel 1% may be suggested in all patients, especially in the patients at risk of development of DS.

Keywords

Dry Socket; Chlorhexidine 1%; Third Molar Surgery

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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