title: Effectiveness of 1% versus 0.2% chlorhexidine gels in reducing alveolar osteitis from mandibular third molar surgery: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Alveolar osteitis (AO) is the most common postoperative complication of dental extractions. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 1% versus 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel in reducing postoperative AO after surgical extraction of mandibular third molars, and assess the impact of treatment on the Oral HealthRelated Quality of Life (OHRQoL).
  
  
  METHODS
  This clinical study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Eighty eight patients underwent surgical extraction of one retained mandibular third molar with the intra-alveolar application of 0.2% CHX gel. Afterwards, they were assigned to one of two groups: 1% CHX gel (n=42) or 0.2% CHX gel (n=46). The patients applied the gel twice a day to the wound for one week. All patients were evaluated for AO.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the 0.2% CHX gel group, 13% of AO incidence was found, while in the 1% CHX gel group, AO incidence was 7%, a difference that was not statistically significant. Variables such as sensation of pain and inflammation at baseline and during one week, as well as OHRQoL of the patients at 24 hours and 7 days post-extraction, gave no statistically significant differences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are no significant differences in AO after surgical extraction of mandibular third molars, when comparing applying 1% CHX gel twice a day for 7 days with 0.2% CHX gel.
authors.affiliation: Department of Stomatology. Faculty of Dentistry. University of Granada, Spain. mrp2525@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Pérez
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bravo-Pérez
authors.forename: José-Dario
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Sánchez-López
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Muñoz-Soto
authors.forename: María-Nuria
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Romero-Olid
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Baca-García
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004368:Dry Socket / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D011788:Quality of Life; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D005782:Gels; D002710:Chlorhexidine