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Clinical Oral Investigations

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Open Access 01-01-2017 | Original Article

Postoperative socket irrigation with drinking tap water reduces the risk of inflammatory complications following surgical removal of third molars: a multicenter randomized trial

Authors: H. Ghaeminia, Th. J. M Hoppenreijs, T. Xi, J. P. Fennis, T. J Maal, S. J. Bergé, G. J. Meijer

Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Objectives

The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative irrigation of the socket with drinking tap water on inflammatory complications following lower third molar removal.

Material and methods

A multicenter randomized controlled trial was carried out from June 2013 to June 2014. In one arm of the study, patients were instructed to irrigate the tooth socket and surgical site with a Monoject® Curved 412 Tip Syringe (Tyco/healthcare-Kendall, Mansfield, MA, USA) with tap water. In a second arm of the study, the standard postoperative instructions did not include irrigation instructions. The incidences of alveolar osteitis and wound infection were recorded for each group and analyzed by the Fisher’s exact test.

Results

A total of 280 patients with 333 mandibular third molars were analyzed. According to the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, inflammatory complications occurred in 18 cases in the Monoject® group (11.4 %) compared to 34 cases (19.1 %) in the control group (p = 0.04). These complications were associated with significant worse outcomes regarding quality of life, pain, and trismus and caused significantly more missed days of work or study. Female gender, age >26, bone removal, deep impacted third molars, less experienced surgeons, and a high amount of debris at the surgical site were also identified as risk factors for developing inflammatory complications following lower third molar removal.

Conclusion

Irrigation of the surgical site with drinking tap water using a curved syringe following removal of third molars is effective in reducing the risk of inflammatory complications.

Clinical relevance

Water is a very accessible, cost-effective irrigant without side effects and the results from this study have proven that it can be used to reduce the risk of inflammatory complications and associated morbidity following lower third molar removal.

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Title: Postoperative socket irrigation with drinking tap water reduces the risk of inflammatory complications following surgical removal of third molars: a multicenter randomized trial
Authors: H. Ghaeminia
Th. J. M Hoppenreijs
T. Xi
J. P. Fennis
T. J Maal
S. J. Bergé
G. J. Meijer
Publication date: 01-01-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 1432-6981
Electronic ISSN: 1436-3771
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-016-1751-1

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Postoperative socket irrigation with drinking tap water reduces the risk of inflammatory complications following surgical removal of third molars: a multicenter randomized trial

Abstract

Objectives

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical relevance

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

Clinical relevance

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