The Effects of Intraoperative Placement of Tetracycline, Tetracycline + Gelatin Sponge, and Placebo on Postoperative Dry Socket Incidence After Mandibular Molar Extraction: (A Comparative Prospective Study)

Background:  The aim of the study evaluation 0f tetracycline, tetracycline plus gelatin sponge efficacy in lowering dry socket incidence among patients experienced extraction procedure for mandibular molars compared to control group.. Material and Methods: The sample was divided into three groups each group have 30 patients (34 male and 56 female) :          Group A (patients dealt without intra-socket tetracycline) in which only applying figure of 8 suturing and dressing adhesive material for sockets.          Group B (patients managed with intra-socket tetracycline alone) in which patients managed after extraction with tetracycline solution, figure of 8 suturing and dressing adhesive material.          Group C (patients managed with intra-socket tetracycline plus gelatin sponge complex) in which patients managed after extraction with tetracycline-gelatin sponge vehicle, figure of 8 suturing and adhesive dressing material. Results: Dry socket following extraction was encountered in 4 female patients, with an incidence of 4.4%. Group A reported the highest number. Conclusions: In spite of the limits of this clinical trial, the placement of tetracycline as intra-socket medicament serve in a good choice for treating extracted socket, by reducing bacterial load that will result in lowering the possible chances of infection thus relieving pain, on the other hand the Ora-aid dressing material serve a good way accompanied with suturing in avoiding dry socket occurrence.