# Hydrogen water versus normal saline for post-surgical irrigation: A study on healing and complication rates after third molar extraction

## TL;DR

This study compares hydrogen water and normal saline for post-surgical irrigation after third molar extraction, finding hydrogen water more effective in reducing pain, swelling, and complications.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is demonstrating hydrogen water's superior efficacy as a surgical irrigant compared to normal saline in oral surgery recovery.

## Key findings

- Hydrogen water group showed significantly greater improvements in pain, swelling, and trismus.
- The incidence of dry socket was lower in the hydrogen water group from postoperative day 2 onward.
- Hydrogen water's anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties contribute to better healing outcomes.

## Abstract

Oral surgery involving impacted mandibular third molars is a common procedure. However, it results in postoperative complaints such as
pain, swelling, trismus and dry socket. Therefore, it is of interest to compare hydrogen water and normal saline as surgical irrigants in
patients undergoing third molar removal. The study included 30 patients total who were divided into 2 groups of 15 and clinical parameters
were assessed post-operative days 1, 2 and 7. Results showed all patients improved over time and that patients in the hydrogen water group
had significantly greater improvements in pain, swelling and trismus, as well as a lower incidence of dry socket from postoperative day 2 onward.
The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of hydrogen water appear to make it a better irrigant agent than normal saline in healing
and reducing postoperative complications.