Effect of combined boric acid and chlorhexidine mouthwashes on postoperative complications and periodontal healing after impacted third molar surgery: a-double blind randomized study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of boric acid (BA) combined with chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash on postoperative complications and periodontal healing following impacted third molar surgery. Materials and methods: A total of 80 patients were randomly divided into eight groups. The patients in the study groups received different concentrations of BA ranging from 0.1% to 2.5% combined with CHX or 2% BA mouthwash alone. The control group received CHX mouthwash alone. The scores of self-reported pain and jaw dysfunction, trismus, edema, number of analgesics used, and periodontal parameters were compared between the groups. Results: 2.5% BA + CHX group had significantly lower pain and facial swelling values during the follow-up period. 2% BA + CHX group reported significantly lower jaw dysfunction scores on the fourth and fifth postoperative days. The control group showed significantly higher values for pain, jaw dysfunction, and facial swelling than other groups. No significant differences were found between the groups regarding trismus, analgesic use, and periodontal variables. Conclusions: The combination of higher concentrations of BA with CHX was more effective in reducing pain, jaw dysfunction, and swelling following impacted third molar surgery than CHX mouthwash alone. Clinical relevance: The combination of BA and CHX showed better results than the gold standard CHX mouthwash in reducing postoperative complications related to surgical removal of impacted third molars without any adverse effects. This new combination can be an effective alternative to traditional mouthwashes after impacted third molar surgery to ensure oral hygiene. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.