Evaluation of efects of topical ozone application after mandibular impacted third molar surgery

Ozone is commonly used in dentistry as a reliable bactericidal agent due to its high oxidation ability. Topical antibacterials alternative to sistemic antibiotics after impacted third molar surgery, come into prominence and appeal investigators for their prophylactic use. High bactericidal, virucidal and fungucidal effects of ozone helps it find wide field of application as a prophylactic agent in dentistry. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of topical ozone application on postoperative complications after mandibular impacted third molar surgery. This study was conducted on 25 female and 14 male patients between ages of 16 and 41 years who had at least one full mucosa or bony retantion mandibular impacted third molar to be extracted. Those who had a sistemic disease, had allergy to any drug or to anesthesic agent that was used in the operation, used antibiotics within 30 days prior to the operation, had clinical or radiological findings of dental pathology or infection within 30 days prior to the operation or/and on the day of operation, smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day, were excluded from the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups; ozone, chlorhexidine (CHX) and control groups. Following operation gas ozone was applied inside the extraction socket in the first group, 0.2% CHX solution was applied in the second group and nothing was applied in the third group. All the patients were only prescribed paracetamol for pain relief postoperatively. Pain, sistemic fever, lymphadenopathy (LAP), wound infection and dry socket parameters were evaluated preoperatively and on the second and seventh days postoperatively. Pain levels were assessed with `4 Point Descriptive Pain Scale? at 6, 12, 24, 48. hours and on the 7. day postoperatively. The results of this study indicated that use of topical gaseous ozone has no specific effect after mandibular impacted third molar surgery compared to chlorhexidine and control groups.We are of the opinion that, further studies are necessary to investigate the action mechanism and different field of application of ozone in oral and maxillofacial surgery.Keywords: Ozone, mandibular impacted third molar surgery, chlorhexidine, topical application