Third-molar extraction with ultrasound bone surgery: a case-control study

J Craniofac Surg. 2014 May;25(3):856-9. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000000825.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this case-control study was to evaluate the postoperative period and healing between 2 surgical methods (traditional and ultrasound bone surgery) that are used for mandibular third-molar extraction.

Patients and methods: Fifteen patients with impaction of both of the lower third molars and indications for their extractions were used in this study. Bilateral-mandibular third-molar extractions were performed at the same surgical time: traditional surgery with burrs was used on 1 side (control site), and ultrasound surgery was used on the other side (test [T] site). After surgery, the patients were examined at 7 and 14 days and at 1 and 3 months to evaluate tissue healing. The following was assessed at every follow-up: pain, trismus, swelling, and alveolar bone level.

Results: The study included 15 patients, and 30 mandibular third-molar extractions were performed. We found only 1 postoperative complication: 1 patient had alveolitis in the control site. Complete recoveries without any complications were reported in all of the patients at the T sites.

Conclusions: Complete recoveries without any complication were reported in all patients at the T sites. The only disadvantage of the piezoelectric technique was the length of operation time, which was increased by approximately 8 minutes; however, this effect was offset by reducing the morbidity.

Clinical relevance: Our preliminary study showed that Piezosurgery is an excellent tool for reducing the risk of complications and improving the postoperative period.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Dry Socket / etiology
  • Edema / etiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandible / surgery*
  • Molar, Third / surgery*
  • Operative Time
  • Pain, Postoperative / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications
  • Tooth Extraction* / adverse effects
  • Tooth, Impacted / surgery*
  • Trismus / etiology
  • Ultrasonic Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Wound Healing / physiology
  • Young Adult