ABSTRACT
AIM: The present study was conducted to assess the effect of irrigation with three different irrigants, namely normal saline, chlorhexidine, and povidone iodine on pain, alveolar osteitis, swelling, trismus, infection, and food impaction during surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight patients, including 26 males and 22 females, fulfilling criteria for inclusion in this study were divided into three groups: group I where irrigant used was normal saline, group II as chlorhexidine, and group III as povidone iodine group. RESULTS: The pain was significantly more in groups I and III in 24 hours and 7th day as well. Alveolar osteitis was noted in groups III and I, nil in group II. The facial swelling measured in millimeters on 24 hours and on 7th day was significantly higher in 24 hours in groups I and III than in group II. Trismus was significantly more in group I and group III than in group II (with p < 0.01) on 7th day. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that chlorhexidine is effective in reducing pain, alveolar osteitis, swelling, and trismus when used as an irrigant following surgical removal of impacted third molar. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Chlorhexidine as irrigating solution helps in reducing the postoperative consequences after third molar surgery. Further studies are required using large sample size.
