Effect estimates and methodological quality of randomized controlled trials about prevention of alveolar osteitis following tooth extraction: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the scientific evidence derived from randomized controlled trials (RCT) about prevention of alveolar osteitis (AO).


METHODS
Literature searches were conducted to locate RCTs about prevention of AO. The RCTs were scrutinized for methodological details and categorized according to the preventive intervention studied. Data were analyzed in relation to the frequency of AO. Absolute risk reductions (ARR), and numbers needed to treat were calculated with 95% confidence limits.


RESULTS
There was a wide variation in the design and quality of the RCTs (N = 32). The greatest risk reduction for AO was seen for local treatment with tetracycline (ARR, 12%-31%). For a majority of the preventive interventions, the evidence was absent or inconclusive.


CONCLUSIONS
Local treatment with tetracycline, and also 0.12% chlorhexidine rinsing preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively, seem to have significant and clinically relevant preventive effect on AO following surgical removal of lower third molars.
Hedström
Lennart
L
Public Dental Services, Varberg, Sweden.
Sjögren
Petteri
P
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004368:Dry Socket / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010226:Parabens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000592:standards; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D010226:Parabens; D013752:Tetracycline; D002710:Chlorhexidine; C006068:propylparaben