Chlorhexidine gel promotes early wound healing after tooth extraction, says study

Indonesia: A new study found the 0.2% Chlorhexidine gel effective in promoting wound healing following tooth extraction. 

The study, “The Effectiveness of 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gel on Early Wound Healing after Tooth Extraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial”, published in the latest edition of the European Journal of Dentistry, was conducted by researchers from the Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Padjadjaran, West Java, Indonesia.

Single-blind, randomized controlled trial

With an aim to evaluate the effect of 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on wound healing after tooth extraction, the scientists utilized a single blind, randomized controlled trial, recruiting 32 participants who underwent dental extractions. 

The patients were randomly allocated for CHX group or placebo group. The primary outcomes were wound closure measured with calipers and healings were assessed by Landry et al index after 7 days of topical application of allocated gels on extraction sites.

“Topically applied CHX gel (Perio-Kin) has been proven to enhance wound healing in rats both at the clinical and histological levels without any adverse effect,” wrote the authors.

“The use of the gel preparation had also been shown to reduce the incidence of dry sockets after third molar extraction; nevertheless, the method of treatment could only be performed by the surgeon. 

“The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of 0.2% CHX gel on early wound healing after tooth extraction of mandibular first molar, applied topically on the top of the wound site by the patients.”

Significantly improved wound healing

The result of the study showed that 0.2% CHX gel significantly improved wound healing at the clinical level. 

“The wound closures were greater in CHX group compared with placebo group and healing scores were correlated with the use of CHX gel ( p -value < 0.05).standardized healing index,” said the authors.

“This positive effect on clinical healing was related to the use of CHX gel as revealed by correlation analysis. In a meta-analysis study, Mínguez-Serra et al (2009) found that 0.2% CHX gel administered twice a day for 7 days would be the best option for preventing alveolar osteitis after extraction.”

CHX gel enhances wound healing

The researchers noted that oral healing is slower and delayed compared with dermal repair. 

“Unlike skin surface, oral environment cannot be sterilized from oral bacteria or plaque formation, leading to persistent environmental challenges for the oral wound.” they wrote.

The researchers concluded that CHX gel has the beneficial effect in enhancing wound healing after non-surgery tooth extraction and may be suggested as adjuvant treatment and home care. 

“It merits further studies to evaluate the effect of CHX with the evaluation of clinical and radiographic examination after tooth extraction,” they added.

Read the full article here: The Effectiveness of 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gel on Early Wound Healing after Tooth Extraction: A Randomized Controlled Trial.