A comparison of a periodontal dressing and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash after the internal bevelled flap procedure.

A group of 15 patients requiring comparable bilateral internal bevelled flap procedures took part in a study to compare the clinical results achieved when a dressing or chlorhexidine mouthwash was used during the first postoperative week. Initial preoperative conditions were comparable. At the end of the first postoperative week, significantly more plaque accumulated and the sulcus bleeding index was significantly higher on the dressing treated side. At 1 month and 3 months postoperatively the sulcus bleeding indices were below preoperative levels for both treated sides with no significant differences between the sides. A significant and comparable reduction in pocket depths occurred following the two postoperative treatments. Subjectively recorded pain scores demonstrated that more pain was experienced on the dressing treated side, particularly during the first 4 postoperative days. More patients preferred the mouthwash as a postoperative treatment.