Efficacy of Tranexemic Acid in Preventing Alveolar Osteitis After Third Molar Extraction

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of tranexemic acid in preventing alveolar osteitis after third molar extraction. Study Design: Randomized control trial. Place and Duration of Study: June 2013 to June 2014. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department, Dental section, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients, between the ages 18-35 years without any gender discrimination, presenting for removal of bilateral mandibular impacted third molars were included in the study. One side was the study group (Group A) and the other side acted as control (Group B). Group A was given Inj Transamine 500mg IV 10 minutes before surgical removal however no pre-operative medication was given to group B. The rest of the procedure was carried out in a standard fashion in both the groups. The frequency ofdry socket was assessed in both the groups and compared using Chi Square test. Results: The age ranged from 18-35 years with a mean age of 23.3+3.5 years. Out of these 30 patients 18 were males and 12 females with an overall M:F ratio of 1.5:1. Eight patients out of the 18 males were smokers and 3 females out of 12 were using oral contraceptives. Two patient (6.7%) developed dry socket in Group A, and 4 (13.3%) developed dry socket in Group B. Although the control group showed a greater frequency of dry socket but overall the results were statistically insignificant (P-value>0.05). Conclusion: Although IV tranexemic acid cannot prevent dry socket completely however it can decrease the incidence of dry socket formation and its use may be considered in patients who show an increased predisposition towards formation of dry socket.