Tea tree oil versus chlorhexidine mouthwash after impacted lower wisdom tooth removal
The Evaluation of the Effects of Chlorhexidine and Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash on Postoperative Complications and Periodontal Healing After the Extraction of Impacted Third Molars
This tests whether tea tree oil mouthwash can reduce swelling, pain, limited mouth opening, and help gum healing as well as standard chlorhexidine in adults after extraction of impacted lower wisdom teeth.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Harran University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sanliurfa) |
| Trial ID | NCT07180498 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with Class 2, Class B impacted mandibular third molars will be enrolled and allocated to use either a tea tree oil mouthwash (3 drops in 100 mL water, three times daily) or 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash for 7 days after extraction. All extractions are performed by the same experienced oral surgeon under local anesthesia, with standard antibiotic (amoxicillin-clavulanate) and paracetamol prescribed postoperatively. Patients will be monitored for 7 days with measurements of facial swelling, pain, trismus, and periodontal/gum healing recorded at baseline and follow-up. The planned sample size is 54 participants (at least 27 per group) based on power calculations to detect differences in postoperative outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 in generally stable health who are undergoing extraction of Class 2, Class B impacted lower third molars and who can use the assigned mouthwash are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with known allergy to tea tree oil, serious systemic illnesses (e.g., heart failure, kidney disease), bleeding disorders, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or taking interacting medications are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, tea tree oil could provide a natural alternative to chlorhexidine with similar reduction of postoperative swelling, pain, and gum complications after wisdom tooth removal.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and small clinical reports suggest tea tree oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, but few rigorous trials directly compare it with chlorhexidine after third molar extraction.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.
Where this trial is running
Sanliurfa
- Harran University, Faculty of Dentistry — Sanliurfa, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mine alkaya karagoz — Harran University
- Study coordinator: Mine alkaya karagoz
- Email: minekaragoz@harran.edu.tr
- Phone: 905365417606
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.