Background/Aim. There is no scientific evidence that prophylactic use of
antibiotics as a part of the mandibular third molar surgery is effective in
suppressing postoperative pain, edema, trismus and dry socket. The aim of
the present study was to investigate the effects of antibiotics from the
fluoroquinolone (moxifloxacin) and cephalosporin (cefixime) groups, in
reducing inflammatory postoperative sequelae (pain, edema and trismus), as
well as in possibly reducing the incidence of dry socket after mandibular
third molar surgery. Methods. This double-blind study was completed by 157
subjects, comprising two study groups (who received the aforementioned
antibiotics), and a control group, who received placebo-tablets. Subjects
were assessed on the first, second, and seventh day following surgery. In
the postoperative course, patients were monitored for the occurrence,
intensity and duration of postoperative inflammatory sequelae and dry
socket. Results. Both antibiotics, especially moxifloxacin, had a
pronounced effect on reducing all inflammatory sequelae (pain, edema and
trismus) as the most common postoperative complaints following mandibular
third molar surgery. It is interesting, however, that both antibiotics,
especially moxifloxacin, also contributed to reducing the incidence of dry
socket. Conclusion. Antibiotic prophylaxis with cefixime, and especially
moxifloxacin, reduced the occurrence of postoperative inflammatory sequelae
and alleviated discomfort, suggesting that this is a useful, rather than
risky recommendation. It is interesting, however, that both antibiotics,
especially moxifloxacin, also contributed inreducing the incidence of
postoperative dry socket, which is not provoked by inflammation. Therefore,
further research into the underlying mechanisms behind such an effect is
warranted.
Comparative efficacy of nimesulide and ketoprofen on inflammatory events in third molar surgery: a split-mouth, prospective, randomized, double-blind study
