The comparative efficacy of 0.12% chlorhexidine and amoxicillin to reduce the incidence and magnitude of bacteremia during third molar extractions: a prospective, blind, randomized clinical trial

Objective. The purpose of this study was to directly compare the incidence and magnitude of bacteremia of a 0.12% chlorhexidine pre-procedure rinse to the AHA and the ADA/AAOS recommended 2 g amoxicillin antibiotic prophylaxis during third molar extractions. Study Design. This study was a randomized, blind, placebo-controlled prospective clinical trial involving subjects assigned to a placebo, rinse, or antibiotic group. The incidence and magnitude of bacteremia were analyzed via chi(2) and Kruskal-Wallis/Friedman tests, respectively. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence and magnitude of bacteremia between the three groups. However, the placebo group apparently resulted in the largest range and highest mean magnitude of bacteremia, followed by the rinse then the antibiotic group. Conclusions. The results of this novel study may reasonably conclude an oral rinse or systemic antibiotic antimicrobial intervention does not statistically reduce the incidence and magnitude of bacteremia compared to no antimicrobial intervention.