Local iodine dressing vs. antibiotic therapy after wisdom tooth removal

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Created On: 24/03/2026

This study evaluated postoperative symptoms after third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction, focusing on the effectiveness of iodine-based wound dressings.

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Key take away

Iodine-based iodoform gauze dressing after third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction provides postoperative pain and recovery outcomes comparable to systemic antibiotic therapy, suggesting a potential antibiotic-sparing approach in oral surgery.

Background

This study evaluated postoperative symptoms after third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction, focusing on the effectiveness of iodine-based wound dressings. The study compared iodoform gauze wound management with conventional primary wound closure and systemic antibiotic therapy to determine their impact on postoperative pain, swelling, chewing difficulty, and recovery outcomes.

Method

In this prospective, non-randomized study, 68 people undergoing third molar extraction (wisdom tooth removal) were segregated into four groups:

Group A: Received postoperative systemic antibiotics
Group B: Treated with iodoform gauze wound dressing
Group C: Underwent simultaneous lower and upper third molar extraction, followed by placement of iodoform gauze in the lower socket
Group D (Control group): Received no preventive intervention

Postoperative outcomes—including reduced chewing ability, pain intensity, facial swelling, and drowsiness—were checked using patient questionnaires and visual analog scale (VAS) assessments.

Result

Subjects treated with iodoform gauze wound dressing (Groups B and C) experienced postoperative recovery outcomes similar to those receiving antibiotic therapy (Group A). A trend toward shorter pain duration was observed in the iodine-dressing groups. Among all groups, Group C illustrated the most optimal subjective recovery, while Group D encountered the longest period of postoperative pain and chewing impairment.

Conclusion

Local iodine-based wound management using iodoform gauze after third molar extraction provided similar postoperative outcomes to antibiotic therapy. This approach may represent a practical strategy to support recovery after wisdom tooth surgery while diminishing unnecessary antibiotic use in dental practice.