Effect of eugenol in the management of alveolar osteitis: A systematic review

PurposeOne of the most common postoperative complications following the extraction of permanent teeth is a condition known as dry socket or alveolar osteitis (AO). The purpose of this review was to answer the question “Does eugenol have any effect in the management of AO?”MethodsSearch: In July 2012 search for relevant trials in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and PUBMED (MESH) was done. Selection criteria: Only randomised control trials that used eugenol in management of AO were included in the review. And only human studies of English language were included.ResultsIn all the four trials a total of 219 patients out of which 86 patients were administered eugenol for the management of alveolar osteitis. Eugenol was found to be more effective than curettage and irrigation and equal to thermosetting gel and Salicept. Eugenol was found to be less effective than low level laser, GECB and Dextranomer granules. Only RCTs were included and all other articles were excluded from the review.