What is the role of chlorhexidine rinse prior to periodontal surgery?

Chlorhexidine rinse plays a critical role in reducing bacterial load and thereby minimizing the risk of infection prior to periodontal surgery. This antiseptic agent is effective against a wide range of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, which helps to decrease the microbial population in the oral cavity before any surgical procedures are undertaken. By lowering the bacterial count, chlorhexidine helps create a cleaner surgical site, which is essential for preventing post-operative infections and promoting a favorable healing environment.

While other options may seem plausible, they do not accurately represent the primary benefits of chlorhexidine rinse. It does not enhance the taste of medications or cause numbness, and it does not directly increase the healing rate; rather, by reducing the bacterial load, it indirectly contributes to better healing outcomes by preventing infection.