The effect of a 0.125% chlorhexidine rinse on inflammation after periodontal surgery

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 0.125% chlorhexidine gluconate rinse on inflammation and bacterial plaque formation after periodontal surgery. Nine patients who required two periodontal surgeries in two posterior areas were selected. The first surgical site was randomly assigned into either 1) active or 2) placebo groups. The patient's second site was assigned to the alternate group. In Group 1 the patients rinsed with chlorhexidine (CH) and in Group 2 with placebo solution, both for 14 days. No periodontal dressing was used and at least 1 month elapsed before the second surgery was performed. Plaque index, gingival index, and crevicular fluid flow measurements were obtained at baseline, and at 1 and 2 weeks after surgery. The chlorhexidine rinse significantly reduced the amount of plaque at both 1 and 2 weeks, and gingival inflammation remained similar to base line measurements at 2 weeks. Neither solution had any effect on the amount of crevicular fluid flow. There was an increase in amount of perceived postoperative pain and gingival swelling with the use of the chlorhexidine rinse, but no difference in the number of pain pills taken during this study. The chlorhexidine rinse was an effective plaque preventive agent after surgical procedures.