Role of antimicrobials in third molar surgery: prospective, double blind,randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study.
OBJECTIVE
To test the efficacy of two dosing regimens of antimicrobial prophylaxis during the removal of impacted lower third molars.


METHODS
Double blind, prospective, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Teaching hospital, India.


METHODS
151 patients aged 19-36 having impacted lower third molars removed.


METHODS
Random allocation into three groups: placebo (n= 34), metronidazole 1g orally, 1 hour preoperatively (n= 44), or metronidazole 400mg orally eight hourly for 5 days postoperatively (n= 47). Patients were recalled on the sixth postoperative day for assessment of pain scores on the second and sixth days, swelling, differences in mouth opening between preoperative and the sixth postoperative day, and the state of the wound.


RESULTS
There were no significant differences in the outcome between the three groups (P= 0.09).


CONCLUSIONS
Antimicrobial prophylaxis does not seem to reduce morbidity after removal of lower third molars.
Sekhar
C H
CH
Postgraduate Resident; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Madras, India
Narayanan
V
V
Baig
M F
MF
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014081:Tooth Extraction
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D008795:Metronidazole