Sarcouncil Journal of Medical Sciences

Abstract: Objectives: The surgical extraction of mandibular 3rd molar is a frequently executed dental operation. A multitude of studies has concentrated on variables influencing the postoperative problems associated with this procedure. The most common complications after lower third wisdom extraction are postoperative pain, edema, trismus, and alveolar osteitis. Comparison of the effects of locally applied metronidazole and the use of systemic metronidazole on postoperative complications including edema, pain, and trismus following the surgical extraction of an impacted mandibular wisdom. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients who had impacted mandibular wisdom which are indicated for surgical removal under local anesthetic were engaged in a randomized clinical trial. The patients were categorised into 2 groups: study group consisting of 25 patients who received local metronidazole application in the area right after the surgical extraction of the impacted wisdom, and the control group, comprising 25 patient who were given systemic metronidazole 1 hour before surgery. A clinical examination were conducted on the second, seventh days post-surgical removal to assess postoperative trismus, discomfort, and oedema. Results: The peak facial oedema and trismus were observed 48 hours post-surgery., and these gradually decreased by the 7th postoperatively day. On the day of operation, the pain score was maximum, after that it gradually reduced. Conclusion: The local application of metronidazole gives better postoperative outcomes in comparison to the systemic given metronidazole.