Effect of Aloe vera mouthwash on postoperative complications after impacted third molar surgery: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to compare the effects of Aloe vera mouthwash on postoperative complications after impacted third molar surgery.Patients and methodsThe randomized double blind clinical trial was conducted on 20 healthy adults with bilateral symmetrical impacted third molar teeth. Participants in the study received Aloe vera and normal saline (as placebo) mouthwash after each side surgery. Evaluation was made by assessing cheek swelling, trismus, incidence of dry socket and VAS (for pain scoring) over a time period of 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after operation.ResultsThe group using Aloe vera presented less swelling than the normal saline group over the following days, but data was significant only on day 3 (P < 0.029). Postoperative pain was found to be significantly less in the Aloe vera group as compared to the normal saline group on postoperative days 1 (P < 0.023) and 3 (P < 0.007). Trismus and dry socket were both lower than that observed in the control group over the following days too, but this reduction did not have any statistical meaning.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that Aloe vera mouthwash is effective in the management of postoperative complications, especially pain and swelling.