RESUMO
A prospective double blind study was carried out tocompare the efficacy of 0.02% chlorhexidine and 0.5% povidone iodine as an irrigating agent on control of pain and swelling following removal of bilaterally impacted lower third molars. Twenty patients with bilaterally impacted lower third molars, in similar positions were included in the present study. All the patients underwent surgical removal of the bilaterally impacted third molars in the same appointment. 0.02% chlorhexidine was used as an irrigating agent during the surgical procedure on a randomly selected one side [Group I] and 1% povidone iodine [Group II] was used on the other side [Group II]. Postoperative pain intensity was more pronounced in the Group II than in Group I [P < 0.05]. There were no significant differences in swelling between the two groups [P > 0.05]. Alveolar osteitis was noted in one case [5%] in Group II whereas it was nil in Group I. In conclusion, chlorhexidine was found more effective in control of postoperative pain and alveolar osteitis than povidone iodine when used for irrigation during the surgical removal of lower third molars. The control of swelling is similar in both the agents