Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Dry socket (Alveolar osteitis) is inflammation of the alveolar bone. It is postoperative complication of tooth extraction. In this study we compared the efficacy of topical application of chlorhexidine digluconate with topical application of combination of iodoform and butyl paraminobenzoate in the management of dry socket. Materials & Methods: 90 patients of dry socket were included in the present study and were divided into 2 groups. Group I comprised of 45 patients who were treated with topical application of chlorhexidinedigluconate gel and group II consisted of 45 patients who were treated with Iodoform and butyl paramino benzoate (Alvogyl). Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to assess the intensity of pain ie. mild- 1-4, moderate- 5-7 and severe- 8-10. Results: On day I, both groups had S1 pain. On day 2, group I had S2-12, S3-33 and group II had S1-15, S2-10 and S3-20. The difference was significant (P-0.01). On day 3, group I had S1-10, S2-15 and S3-20 while group II had S1-40, S2-5. On day 4, group I had S1-35 and S2-10 while group II had S1-45. The difference was significant (P-0.01). On day 5, both groups had mild pain (S1-45). Conclusion: Iodoform and butylparaminobenzoate (Alvogyl) combination is more effective in controlling pain as compared to chlorhexidine digluconate gel in dry socket. Key words: Alveolar osteitis, Dry socket, Iodoform.