The effect of chlorhexidine mouthrinse on healing after gingivectomy

abstract – The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of 0.2 % chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse following gingivectomy on plaque under the dressing and on healing. Twenty-eight patients with indications for gingivectomy were selected. Coe-Pak® was used as surgical dressing. In addition to usual home care, the patients rinsed twice daily with chlorhexidine or placebo for 21 d after surgery. The study followed a cross-over, double-blind design. Gingival exudate was assessed and P1 I and G I were registered at 7, 14, and 21 d postsurgically. The study indicated that chlorhexidine did not influence the amount of plaque under the dressing, and it was uncertain whether chlorhexidine had any effect on the healing process when the surgical area was covered by Coe-Pak. However, (1) after the surgical dressing was removed, the chlorhexidine maintained plaque scores at the same low level as under the dressing, (2) healing was promoted when chlorhexidine was used, and (3) the presence of a dressing in one side of the mouth did not prevent the patient from maintaining good oral hygiene.