The efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (arnica, hypericum and phosphorus) in the treatment of post-operative implications associated with impacted third molar dental extraction

Abstract

The aim of this placebo-controlled study was to determine the effectiveness of a homoeopathic complex in impacted third molars in terms of the patients response to treatment. It was hypothesised that the homoeopathic treatment would result in substantial improvement in post operative implications of impacted third molars, and that it can be used as an alternative to analgesic and anti-inflammatory treatment in many cases. Both the analgesics and anti-inflammatories utilised post-operatively in impacted third molar have a wide variety of side effects. Homoeopathic treatment on the other hand does not have side effects. It also has the added benefit of taking the medication pre-operatively as well as post-operatively. In so doing the body is prepared for the surgical intervention before it occurs and thus stimulates healing immediately, even as the surgical intervention is taking place. Where as the antiinflammatories and analgesics are traditionally only prescribed post-operatively and therefore can only take effect once the patient consumes the medication. The study was a clinical trial, in which a placebo control group was compared with an experimental group. Convenience sampling was used to draw patients into the trial. Volunteers responded to talks given by the researcher and after reading the patient information sheet. A minimum of 30 participants was assessed and if they complied with thee