Comparison of Normal Saline and Metronidazole as Irrigating Solutions in Surgical Extraction of Third Molars

Abstract

Objectives: The primary objective of the study is to compare the efficacy of normal saline and metronidazole when used as irrigating agents after third Molar disimpaction. Secondary objectives were to compare the parameters like pain, infection, wound healing,trismus and incidence of alveolar osteitis at the site of surgery. Materials and Methods: This study is a double blinded, randomised controlled trail.Study population was derived from the patient reported to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery and diagnosed with impacted mandibular 3rd molar. A total of 40 participants were chosen without any existing infections and required surgical extraction of the impacted molars. The age limit was taken as 18-45 years. Participants were allocated randomly into group 1 (postoperative irrigation with normal saline) group 2 ( postoperative irrigation with 1% metronidazole saline ). Group 1 patients were irrigated using normal saline and group 2 patients were irrigated using metronidazole wash.Parameters like postoperative infection and wound healing and pain  were measured immediately after the procedure, at intervals of 3days and 6days after the procedure respectively. Results: Total of three parameters were measured in this study. VAS scale shows no difference of Pain experienced on the first day but there is significant difference seen on third and sixth day. There is also significant difference seen in the Trismus recorded and the incidence of alveolar osteitis. Conclusion: This study proves that metronidazole can be a better irrigating agent compared to normal saline in reducing the postoperative pain and the chances of infections.