The Effect of Magnesium and Zinc Lozenge on Postoperative Sequelae after Third Molar Surgery: A Prospective Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Abstract

Background: The postoperative sequelae after third molar surgery include pain, swelling and trismus, Magnesium has antinociceptive effects that can prevent central sensitization caused by peripheral nociceptive stimulation by blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors, Zinc acts as anti-inflammatory agent, can promote wound healing, immune system modulation, tissue repair, and significant reduction in the use of analgesics for oral pain. This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Magnesium and Zinc lozenge on reducing postoperative sequelae. Method: We recruited 105 patients, randomly assigned to three groups: Magnesium, Zinc and Control group, groups received 100 mg Magnesium, 40 mg Zinc and placebo lozenge 30 min before surgery respectively and every 6 h till 72 h after surgery. Third molar extraction was performed under local anesthesia. After extraction, pain, swelling, and mouth opening in three groups observed till 72 h. Statistical Analysis: Measurement of visual analog scale scores for pain, edema, interincisal opening, was analyzed using Student t test or ANOVA, Chi-square or Mann-Whit­ney U test was performed for non-parametric samples. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The overall incidence of Pain in the Magnesium group 15%, Zinc group was 18% compared to 43% in the Control group (P = .003) Incidence of Pain, swelling, and mouth opening at different time intervals 6 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h were significantly (P >0.05) better in Magnesium and Zinc group. Conclusion: Both Magnesium and Zinc lozenge have similar effect in reducing complications after third molar extraction, including pain, swelling, and limited mouth opening, when administered 30 minutes preoperatively