Impacted mandibular third molar extraction is one of the most common procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery and is frequently associated with postoperative complications such as pain, edema, and trismus, which may negatively affect patients' quality of life. Various pharmacological and topical agents have been used to reduce these postoperative complications. Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash is widely considered the gold standard antiseptic agent due to its broad antimicrobial activity; however, its use may be associated with adverse effects such as tooth staining and taste alteration. Hypochlorous acid is an alternative antiseptic agent with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and good tissue compatibility.

The aim of this randomized clinical study was to compare the effectiveness of hypochlorous acid mouthwash and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in reducing postoperative complications following impacted mandibular third molar surgery. A total of 43 healthy patients with bilateral impacted mandibular third molars were included in the study. Postoperative outcomes including pain (VAS), edema, trismus, and wound healing were evaluated at specific follow-up intervals. The results were analyzed to determine whether hypochlorous acid could be considered a potential alternative to chlorhexidine in postoperative oral care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 18 and 40 years
• Presence of bilateral impacted mandibular third molars with similar surgical difficulty
• Good general health with no systemic disease
• Ability to comply with postoperative instructions and follow-up visits

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of systemic disease
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Active infection at the surgical site
• History of allergy to study medications
• Use of antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs within two weeks before surgery
• Temporomandibular joint disorders causing limited mouth opening