Post-operative sequelae of lower third molar removal: a literature review and pilot study on the effect of Covomycin D

Pain, swelling and dry socket formation commonly follow third molar surgery. The objective was to investigate the effect of intrasocket Covomycin D, an antibiotic/anti-inflammatory medication, on pain, swelling and dry socket following lower third molar removal. Nineteen subjects had bilateral lower third molars removed. The patients were blinded to the side of medication; the opposite side acted as the control; post-operatively a pain visual analogue scale was completed, the side of the worst swelling and the incidence of dry socket noted. The data was analysed using the Wilcoxons matched pairs signed ranks test. Results showed that the pain score was lower for the medicated side in 11 patients on day one and in 16 patients over the six day post-operative period (p < 0.6). The swelling was less on the medicated side in fourteen patients. Three dry sockets developed in non-medicated sockets. In conclusion this study shows that the use of intra-socket Covomycin D favourably influences post-operative sequelae following lower third molar removal.