title: Histological investigation of a 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing on wound healing in rats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Alveolitis is considered a disturbance of the alveolar healing process that is characterized by blood clot disintegration, alveolar wall infection and extreme pain. Several substances have been investigated to improve healing and guarantee postoperative comfort to patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate, microscopically, in rats, the healing process in non-infected tooth sockets, after application of a 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing, using lanolin as vehicle and mint as flavoring.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-five rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus, Wistar) had their right incisor extracted and were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=15): Group I (control): the sockets were filled with blood clot; Group II: application of adrenaline solution at 1:1 000 with an absorbent paper point during 1 min plus filling of the socket with a 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing, with lanolin as vehicle, and mint as flavoring; Group III: filling of the socket with the 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing, with lanolin as vehicle and mint as flavoring. After 6, 15 and 28 days postoperatively, 5 animals per group were euthanized with an injectable anesthetic overdose. Histological and statistical analyses were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that the 10% metronidazole and 2% lidocaine dressing with lanolin as vehicle and mint as flavoring yielded similar response as that of the normal repair group and may be used to prevent the onset of alveolitis in those cases in which any predisposing factor is present.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of this dressing has shown a good postoperative patient's comfort and does not cause a significant delay in the alveolar healing process.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Bucco-maxillo-facial Surgery and Traumatology Unit, Faculty of Dentistry of Araçatuba, UNESP - São Paulo State University, Araçatuba, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: T S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Poi
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Panzarini
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Bezerra
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Silva
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010511:Periodontal Dressings; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D020390:Tooth Socket / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D008795:Metronidazole; D008012:Lidocaine