Role of antimicrobials in third molar surgery: prospective, double blind,randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study

Aim: To test the efficacy of two dosing regimens of antimicrobial prophylaxis during the removal of impacted lower third molars. Design: Double blind, prospective, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Teaching hospital, India. Subjects: 151 patients aged 19–36 having impacted lower third molars removed.Methods : Random allocation into three groups: placebo (n= 34), metronidazole 1g orally, 1 hour preoperatively (n= 44), or metronidazole 400mg orally eight hourly for 5 days postoperatively (n= 47). Patients were recalled on the sixth postoperative day for assessment of pain scores on the second and sixth days, swelling, differences in mouth opening between preoperative and the sixth postoperative day, and the state of the wound. Results: There were no significant differences in the outcome between the three groups (P= 0.09). Conclusion: Antimicrobial prophylaxis does not seem to reduce morbidity after removal of lower third molars.