Postoperative effects of intra-alveolar application of 0.2% chlorhexidine or 1% hyaluronic acid bioadhesive gels after mandibular third molar extraction: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the postoperative effects of intra-alveolar applications of 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHL) or 1% hyaluronic (HA) acid bioadhesive gels following the extraction of mandibular impacted third molars (MITMs).

Materials and methods In this double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial, 90 patients with one asymptomatic MITM were randomized into three group (n = 30 per group): group 1 (0.2% CHL), group 2 (1% HA), and group 3 (control). Visual analogue scales (VAS) were used to assess postoperative pain 24, 48, and 72 h and 7 days after surgery. Postsurgical complications were recorded: trismus, alveolitis osteitis, infection, or hematoma.

Results In order from least to greatest, postoperative pain at all evaluation times was 0.2% CHL < 1% HA < control. At 24 h, statistically significant differences were found between both study groups and the control groups (0.2% CHL/control: P = 0.001; 1% HA/control: P = 0.010). At 48 and 72 h, significant differences were only found between 0.2% CHL and the control group (P = 0.229 and P = 0.046, respectively). At 7 days, no significant differences were found between any groups. Comparing the incidence of postoperative trismus, alveolitis osteitis, infection, or hematoma, although complications were more frequent in the control group, no statistical differences between groups were found (P > 0.050).

Conclusions Both 0.2% CHL and 1% HA bioadhesive gels applied intra-alveolarly minimize the postoperative complications after MITM extraction. Further research is necessary to confirm the present results.

Clinical relevance This study might help to reduce the postsurgical complications in patients after MITM extraction.