Efficacy of intra-alveolar chlorhexidine gel in reducing frequency of alveolar osteitis in mandibular third molar surgery

To determine the efficacy of intra-alveolar administration of chlorhexidine [CHX] gel in reducing the frequency of alveolar osteitis [AO] after impacted mandibular third molar surgery. A randomized control trial study. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January to December 2007. One hundred patients including 65 males and 35 females with the age range 18-40 years were divided in two equal groups [50 each in the CHX and the control groups]. Surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar was carried out and after surgery CHX gel was placed into the alveolus of CHX group. Patients were followed at the first, second and third postoperative days. A proforma indicating presence or absence of pain, blood clot disintegration, halitosis and AO was filled for each patient. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for qualitative data. Chi-square test was applied to compare both subgroups. Eighteen patients [18%] were diagnosed with AO [11 males and 7 females]. Out of these 18 cases, 14 [28%] were found in control group [9 males and 5 females], while 4 cases [8%] in the CHX group [2 males and 2 females]. This was statistically significant p=0.017. Single application of CHX gel was effective in reducing frequency of AO following mandibular third molar surgery

Pattern and presentation of oral white lesions

Oral white lesions are not uncommon and a significant number of patients are asymptomatic. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern and presentation of oral white lesions in patients reporting at oral and maxillofacial surgery department of AFID. World Health Organization [WHO] guidelines for oral mucosal examination were used to record data of 100 patients who presented with oral white lesions. Biopsies were performed in lesions whose definitive diagnosis was deemed difficult purely on the basis of history and clinical examination. The mean age was 38 +/- 13years with 57[57%] males. Forty two [42%] patients were asymptomatic. The most frequent site was buccal mucosa [64%] and more than half of these lesions appeared white [57%] while others were yellowish white [18%], grey white [15%] and with areas of redness within the lesion [10%]. Among habits, smoking was most common. The most common lesion was lichen planus [28%] followed by frictional keratosis [15%] and oral submucous fibrosis [13%]. Other rare lesions were geographic tongue, mucosal burns, candidiasis. As some of these lesions are premalignant, it is imperative for the dental and medical professionals to familiarize with their pattern and presentation to effect early diagnosis and management