Comparing the impact of using erbium yttrium aluminum Garnett laser or conventional scalpels and burs for the surgical removal of partially erupted mandibular third molars on pain, swelling, trismus, and anxiety

Abstract

Aim: Standard method of extraction of partially impacted lower third molars is with a scalpel, and a drill. The aim of this study is to use Er:YAG laser for partially impacted lower third molar removal, and compare anxiety, pain, swelling, and trismus observed after the procedure, with the standard method. Materials and Method: The study was performed on 40 patients who applied to our clinic for the extraction of their partially impacted lower third molars. None of the patients included in the study had any systemic illnesses, and had an age range of 18-40. The patients were divided into 2 groups of 20, and the first group had their procedures done with the Er:YAG laser whereas the second group had their procedures done with scalpels and burs. All the patients filled out the STAI survey preoperatively. In addition, measurements of distances between reference points on the face, and maximum mouth opening were recorded from all patients preoperatively. The patients filled out visual analogue scales every 2 hours for the first 12 hours and then at the 24th hour. All the measurements were repeated when the patients came for suture removal, and then these values were compared with the preoperative values. Results: Laser group had less swelling and trismus compared with the control group, and the difference was statistically significant. Pain values of the laser group were lower when compared with the control group, the difference was not statistically significant. There was no statistical difference of the anxiety levels.