Role of antimicrobials in third molar surgery: prospective, double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study

Aim: To test the efficacy of two dosing regimens of antimicrobial prophylax is during the removal of impacted lower third molars. Design: Double blind, prospective, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Teaching hospital, India. Subjects: 151 patients aged 19-36 having impacted lower third molars remove d. Methods: Random allocation into three groups: placebo (n = 34), metronid azole 1 g orally, 1 hour preoperatively (n = 44), or metronidazole 400 mg o rally eight hourly for 5 days postoperatively (n = 47). Patients were recal led on the sixth postoperative day for assessment of pain scores on the sec ond and sixth days, swelling, differences in mouth opening between preopera tive and the sixth postoperative day, and the state of the wound. Results: There were no significant differences in the outcome between the three grou ps (P = 0.09). Conclusion: Antimicrobial prophylaxis does not seem to reduc e morbidity after removal of lower third molars. (C) 2001 The British Assoc iation of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.