Effect of chlorhexidine (0.12%) rinses on periodontal tissue healing after tooth extraction. (1) Clinical parameters
The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical effects of chemical plaque control using chlorhexidine rinses on the periodontal conditions of sites adjacent to the periodontal sockets. Forty patients were randomly assigned to either the test group (A), rinsing two times daily with 15 ml of 0.12% CHX solution (Peridex) starting two days after tooth extraction; or to the control group (B), rinsing with a placebo solution for 30 days. Clinical periodontal parameters were obtained from test sites located adjacent to as well as from control sites distant to the extraction socket. All parameters were obtained at the baseline (before extraction) and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after. The test sites of the group rinsing with CHX demonstrated significantly reduced plaque indices, gingival indices, and lower percentages of sites bleeding on probing one month following the extraction. The mean pocket depth at test sites of the CHX rinsing group was smaller than in the placebo group at the one-month examination. It was concluded that the administration of 0.12% CHX rinses following tooth extraction results in a significant improvement of periodontal conditions adjacent to sockets and should be recommended routinely. [E.L.H.]
Lang N.P., U. Schild, and U. Bragger, J Clin Periodont, 21:15, 1994