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.