Is Cryotherapy Beneficial After Surgical Removal of Impacted Lower Third Molars?

Is Cryotherapy Beneficial After Surgical Removal of Impacted Lower Third Molars? - A Randomized Split Mouth Clinical Trial

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of cryotherapy on postoperative parameters (pain intensity, edema, trismus, and the quality of life) after lower third molar extraction. Patients underwent bilateral extraction of mandibular third molars in a single surgical procedure. Cryotherapy was applied to one side using facial ice packs, while no cryotherapy was performed on the contralateral side. Surgical procedures, postoperative instructions, and prescribed medications were identical for both sides. Consequently, the side treated with ice packs exhibited lower pain intensity, shorter pain duration, and reduced use of rescue medication.

Inclusion Criteria

• Indication for bilateral surgical removal of mandibular third molars in similar positions
• Absence of systemic comorbidities
• Absence of local inflammatory processes
• Absence of local infectious processes
• No history of allergy to the prescribed medications
• No chronic use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and/or analgesics

Exclusion Criteria

• Use of medications other than those prescribed by the surgeon
• Failure to provide the required data