The effect of the pressure bandage usage on pain and sweiilng changes after lower third molar surgery

Abstract

Surgical removal of impacted third molar is the most frequent procedure done by oral and maxillofacial surgeons and is often associated with pain, swelling and trismus. Theses postoperative sequelae can affect the patient’s quality of life after surgery. Different modalities including use of drains, corticosteroids, NSAIDs and cryotherapy are used to decrease postoperative inflammatory complications. Pressure decreases adema and dead space. Aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of pressure bandage on reduction of pain and swelling after third molar surgery. Methods and Materials: 34 patients requiring surgical removal of bilateral third molars were selected. Pressure bandage was used after surgical removal of one side’s third molar. But pressure bandage was not used after surgery of other side. Swelling was quantified by anatomical facial landmarks. Pain was observed from each patient 24 and 48 hours after surgery. Data have been analyzed by SPSS software and dependent t-test calculator. Findings: P-value was less than 0.05 for pain and swelling after surgery on side that pressure bandage was used. This is noticeable statistically. Conclusion: Pressure bandage is efficient to manage postoperative pain and swelling after removal of third molars.