The use of a tetracycline drain reduces alveolar osteitis: a randomized prospective trial of third molar surgery under local anaesthetics and without the use of systemic antibiotics

ABSTRACT Objectives Our aim was to investigate the effect of an oxytetracycline impregnated gauze drain on the incidence of alveolar osteitis (AO) and postoperative pain during the first week after mandibular third molar surgery. Study Design Two hundred consecutive patients undergoing third molar surgery under local anaesthesia were randomized into a drain group (n=100), with an oxytetracycline drain placed in the extraction socket, and a control group (n=100). An experienced surgeon performed the surgery. Systemic antibiotics were not used. Results The incidence of AO was 23% in the control group and 5% in the drain group (p Conclusion The present study showed that an oxytetracycline drain drastically reduced the incidence of AO after third molar surgery. The described treatment strategy, without the use of systemic antibiotics, seemed efficient in lowering overall postoperative morbidity and downtime after third molar surgery.