Chlorhexidine gel reduces incidence of alveolar osteitis after extraction of the mandibular third molars.
METHODS
A randomised, prospective clinical trial with parallel groups was carried out in a single centre.


METHODS
The experimental (gel) group (n=41) applied a bioadhesive 0.2% chlorhexidine gel to the wound during the first postoperative week and a control (rinse) group (n=32) used a 0.12% (v/v) chlorhexidine mouthrinse during the first week following third molar extraction. Patients were evaluated on the third and seventh postoperative day.


METHODS
Alveolar osteitis was evaluated according to Blum's criteria..


RESULTS
A 70% decrease in postoperative alveolar osteitis in the gel group (P 0.04) was observed. The rinse group had 25% incidence of postoperative alveolar osteitis, whereas the gel group had 7.5%. T equates to a number needed to treat of six (95% confidence interval, 3-144).


CONCLUSIONS
It was concluded that the topical application of bioadhesive chlorhexidine gel to the surgical wound during the postoperative week may decrease the incidence of alveolar osteitis after extraction of the mandibular third molars.
Smith
Keith G
KG
Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Surgery, University of Sheffield, School Of Clinical Dentistry, Sheffield, UK.