Fibrinolytic alveolitis and its prevention

This study aimed at testing the clinical efficacy of a topical prevention of FA, the sample comprising 300 cases of extractions. A sponge was inserted in the socket of each of them, dividing the sample into 3 equal groups: group A (gelatine), group B (gelatine + Solcoseryl) and group C (gelatine + Solcoseryl + propyl-hydroxy-benzoic-acid). The global incidence of FA was a comparatively high, 7.6%, which could be related to the pool of patients included in the study as to the presence of teeth and techniques more prone to complications. No specific clinical characteristic has been isolated (distribution within sex, age, teeth, etc.) which could contradict data collected from other authors. The incidence was lower in the groups B (3%) and C (7%) as compared to group A (13%), but only sponges of group B demonstrated a clinical and statistical efficacy, according to the high number of lower third molar extractions. In contrast, the addition of Solcoseryl proves efficient and does not delay healing, according to previous histological studies. This last characteristic has to be confirmed in the experimental conditions described in our study, as has its mode of action. The ultimate mechanism of FA has still, in our opinion, to be better defined well before the restatement of a topical prevention of FA.