A comparative analysis of the efficacy of moxifloxacin and cefixime in the reduction of postoperative inflammatory sequelae after mandibular third molar surgery

Abstract

Background/Aim. There is no scientific evidence that the prophylactic use of antibiotics as a part of the mandib-ular third molar surgery is effective in suppressing postop-erative pain, edema, trismus, and dry socket. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone (moxifloxacin) and cephalosporin (cefixime) groups in reducing postoperative inflammatory sequelae (pain, edema, and trismus), as well as in possibly reducing the incidence of dry socket after mandibular third molar surgery. Methods. This double-blind study was completed by 157 subjects, comprising two study groups (who received the aforementioned antibiotics) and a con-trol group, who received placebo tablets. Subjects were as-sessed on the first, second, and seventh day following sur-gery. In the postoperative course, patients were monitored for the occurrence, intensity, and duration of postopera-tive inflammatory sequelae and dry socket. Results. Both antibiotics, especially moxifloxacin, had a pronounced ef-fect on reducing all inflammatory sequelae (pain, edema, and trismus) as the most common postoperative com-plaints following mandibular third molar surgery, and also contributed to reducing the incidence of dry socket. Con-clusion. Antibiotic prophylaxis with cefixime and, espe-cially moxifloxacin, reduced the occurrence of postopera-tive inflammatory sequelae and alleviated discomfort. It is interesting, that both antibiotics, especially moxifloxacin, also contributed to reducing the incidence of postopera-tive dry socket, which is not provoked by inflammation. Therefore, further research into the underlying mecha-nisms behind such an effect is warranted. © 2022 Inst. Sci. inf., Univ. Defence in Belgrade. All rights reserved.