All the patients will be screened for periodontal findings. Sites meeting the inclusion criteria will be considered for the present study. This study is designed as randomized prospective split-mouth clinical trial.

In test group patients will be given 0.074% diclofenac sodium mouthwash to be used at home for four days. Patients in this group need to use the mouthwash for 1 min, twice daily for 4 days, starting one immediately after surgery. Test group patients will also prescribed diclofenac sodium 50mg tablet to be used if pain is not controlled by diclofenac mouthwash alone. Number of tablets used by the patient (if any) will also be recorded on their proforma sheet. In control group, patient will be prescribed diclofenac sodium 50mg tablet twice daily for 4 days starting immediately after surgery.

Randomization with regard to the choice of quadrant and choice of drug formulation (mouthwash or tablet) will be done by coin toss method. At least 15 days gap will be maintained for second surgery in contralateral side when mode of therapy will be switched.

Clinical parameters will be checked at baseline, 7 days after surgery 1 month and 3 months after surgery. Pain perception of patient will be scored using Numerical Rating Scale. Data will be collected telephonically in the evening daily for 4 days. Along with that patient will be given ‘Wong Baker scale’ score sheet too and will be asked to fill it in the evening daily for 4 days. No perio dressing will be placed after surgery in either group. At 7 days follow-up patient will be asked about the acceptability of the mouthwash. At last follow-up of second surgery, patient will be asked about their personal preference between mouthwash and tablet for pain reduction.

We hypothesize that diclofenac sodium local application (0.074% mouthwash) will have equal analgesic effect as compared to its systemic administration (tablet), but it would be better in terms of its anti-inflammatory effect and patient’s acceptability when used after periodontal flap surgery.