Efficacy of tranexamic acid in prevention of alveolar osteitis following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar

CONTEXT: Many preventive measures are described to avoid alveolar osteitis (AO) during third molar surgery (TMS), but very few are found to be effective. Tranexamic acid (TA), an antifibrinolytic agent, impedes the proteolytic degradation of fibrin and prevents blood clot disintegration. AIMS: The study was conducted to determine the efficacy of intra-alveolar application of TA soaked in Gelfoam in prevention of AO. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a randomized control trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 patients (100 in control group and 100 in study group) reporting for TMS were allocated randomly. Following surgery, TA soaked in gel foam was placed in socket and sutured in the study group, while in the control group, closure was done by suturing. Patients followed subsequently to observe the incidence of AO, pain severity, and duration of healing after AO. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Z-test, Mann–Whitney test, and t-test were applied, respectively, to compare the incidence of AO, severity of pain, and duration of healing between the two groups. RESULTS: The incidence of AO in the control group was 18% and 6% in the study group. Patients in the control group experienced severe pain as compared to patients in the study group. The duration of healing varied from 12 to 16 days in the control group, but in the study group, it was <10 days. CONCLUSION: TA significantly reduces the incidence of AO in addition to the reduced severity of pain and enhanced healing. We recommend the routine use of TA, owing to its astonishing rewards.