Application of 0.2% chlorhexidine gel after tooth extraction improves wound healing

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on wound healing after tooth extraction.

Chlorhexidine, used in the form of a mouthwash, is often applied during dental visits in order to reduce oral bacterial flora. Furthermore, this can be used as prevention of and treatment for related plaque diseases, therefore some forms of gingivitis or periodontitis. Tooth extraction is a very common procedure that dentists perform every single day. Postoperative complications generally do not occur; however, occasionally delayed wound healing may arise even in normal healthy patients. The most frequent postextraction complications documented were infection, prolonged bleeding, swelling, as well as dry socket. In addition, patients may experience pain even after simple uncomplicated tooth extraction.

Oral healing is slower and delayed compared with the dermal repair. Unlike the skin surface, the oral environment cannot be sterilized from oral bacteria or plaque formation, leading to persistent environmental challenges for the oral wound. Infection is one of the significant causes of delayed wound healing; therefore, the early period of healing after tooth extraction must be facilitated and protected from infection or any condition inhibiting healing and repair.

A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was performed recruiting 32 participants who underwent dental extractions. Patients were randomly allocated for the CHX group or the placebo group. The primary outcomes were wound closure measured with callipers and healings were assessed by Landry et al index after 7 days of topical application of allocated gels on extraction sites.

Results:

The wound closures were greater in the CHX group compared with the placebo group and healing scores were correlated with the use of CHX gel (p-value < 0.05).

In a population of healthy nonsmoker adults, the application of 0.2% CHX gel twice a day for 7 days after tooth extraction has a beneficial effect on wound healing.

Reference:

Amaliya Amaliya et al. The Effectiveness of 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gel on Early Wound Healing after Tooth Extraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial. CC BY 4.0 · Eur J Dent 2022; 16(03): 688-694. DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739544

Keywords

chlorhexidine gel, wound healing, tooth extraction, effectiveness, 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gel, Early, Wound, Healing, Tooth Extraction, Randomized, Controlled, Trial,

Amaliya Amaliya , Rika Ramadhanti , Indra Hadikrishna, Tantry Maulina, thieme