Effect of Chlorohexidine and Listerine mouthwash on absorbable sutures in third molar surgery - A Prospective Study

Background The primary goal of suturing the incisions is to approximate tissues, control hemorrhage, and assist the primary healing process to its natural appearance as much as possible. Sutures play a major role in maintaining the tissue integrity of surgical wounds. Both absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials are available for wound closure. Absorbable sutures do not require removal and save time and reduce patient anxiety postoperatively. The common practice for oral surgeons to prescribe antiseptic mouthwashes following surgical procedures, but the effect of various antiseptic mouthwashes on sutures has not been entirely tested. AIM This study was done to evaluate the effect of Chlorohexidine and Listerine mouthwash on absorbable sutures in third molar surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was conducted at Saveetha Dental College, Chennai - Tamil Nadu, in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The sample size was calculated using the G-power software with a confidence interval of 95%. After the surgical removal of third molar was done and 3.0 vicryl was used to approximate the tissues. Using simple randomization, sixty participants were divided into 3 groups such that chlorohexidine, listerine and warm saline mouthwash was prescribed for patients in group A, B and C respectively and weekly follow up was done for retention of sutures.