Iodoform: A boon in disguise

Iodoform is also known as triiodomethane a yellow crystalline solid belongs to the family of organic halogen compounds used as an antiseptic component of certain medications. It was first prepared in 1822 by electrolysis of aqueous solutions of acetone, inorganic iodides and sodium carbonates. It s antiseptic action discovered in 1880, which made it an important medicinal. It has no irritant action; it has antiseptic, disinfectant properties. In this article we are sharing our experiences of iodoform dressing in different conditions like for the cyst healing and management of dry socket, followed by a review of its various applications in literature. The open packing has been used successfully as a secondary healing method to help bone tissue healing, results were similar to secondary healing of alveolar socket after tooth extraction. Bony healing was confirmed radio graphically. The release of elemental iodine when applied to the tissue which has a mild disinfectant action with the organic tissue, iodine is slight irritant to the tissue which may promote granulation tissue formation.