Evaluation of the Effect of Tea Tree and Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes on Healing After Third Molar Extraction

The G x Power 3.1.9.7 program was used to calculate the sample size for this study. It was calculated that a total of 54 patients, with at least 27 patients in each group, would be included at a significance level of α=0.05 under 95% power.

Class 2 and Class B impacted third molars were selected as the ideal study group. All surgeries will be performed under local anesthesia by the same experienced oral surgeon, following standard surgical protocols. Patients will be provided with postoperative care instructions. Patients will be monitored for 7 days after surgery to assess postoperative healing. The experimental groups will receive 100% tea tree oil and a dropper. They will be instructed to gargle with 3 drops of tea tree oil added to 100 mL of water (approximately half a glass of water) after brushing their teeth three times daily for 7 days. The standard recommended antibiotic will be amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (875-125 mg, 2 tablets x 1) and paracetamol (500 mg) as a pain reliever.

The Active Comparator group will follow the standard care protocol, brushing their teeth three times daily for 7 days, followed by the use of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. The standard recommended antibiotic will be amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (875-125 mg, 2 tablets per day), and paracetamol (500 mg) will be prescribed as a painkiller.

Before the operation, measurements will be taken and recorded from the angle-labial commissure, angle-external eye angle, angle-tragus, angle-pogonion, and angle-nasal crease. The amount of plaque will be examined from all surfaces of the second molar, and the presence or absence of plaque will be noted. The patient's maximum mouth opening will be measured using a ruler. These measurements are used to compare the presence of post-operative edema and trismus.

The patient will be given a 7-day Visual Analog Scale (VAS) chart for post-extraction pain management. They will be asked to rate their pain daily for 7 days, ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain), and to note the number of painkillers they have used. • After tooth extraction, the patient will be called for follow-up appointments on the 2nd and 7th days. At these appointments, the patient will have plaque, maximum mouth opening, and distances between anatomical landmarks for edema assessments measured and noted.

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals undergoing extraction of Class 2, Class B mandibular third molars impacted in the lower jaw (Pell & Gregory).
• Individuals aged 18-65.
• Individuals must be in stable general health (e.g., free of serious cardiovascular or kidney disease).
• Individuals willing to use tea tree extract or other treatments.

Exclusion criteria

• Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to tea tree extract.
• Individuals with serious illnesses such as heart failure or kidney disease. Patients with bleeding disorders.
• Individuals during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Individuals taking medications that may interact with tea tree extract (e.g., blood thinners or antihypertensives)
• Individuals previously treated for edema.
• Individuals with chronic edema.