Efficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy in Reducing Pain, Swelling and Trismus Following Impacted Third Molar Extraction Surgery: A Split-mouth Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: The use of local or systemic corticosteroids and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often recommended after surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars to abolish postoperative pain, but some of them may manifest adverse effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, systemic bleeding tendency, and allergic reactions. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of low level laser therapy in reducing pain, swelling, and trismus following impacted third molar extraction surgery. Materials and Methods: The present split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yenepoya Dental College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India. The study sample consisted of nine clinically and radiologically confirmed cases of bilateral symmetrical impacted mandibular third molars indicated for extraction. After extraction surgery, low level laser therapy was administered intraorally and extraorally (Low Level Laser Group). On the contralateral side (Non laser Group), extraction was carried out 15 days prior in the same manner except that patient was not subjected to laser therapy. Trismus, pain, swelling and healing were evaluated on 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 7th day; and were subjected to statistical analysis using Independent-t-Test and Mann-Whitney Test. Results: The study consisted of nine patients, among which six were males and three were females with mean age of 25.89±6.79 years. Pain intensity was lower in the laser group than in the non laser group at all-time points assessed and was non significant (p-value >0.05). Swelling when assessed was less for laser group than non laser group at all-time points and were statistically significant (p-value <0.05) except on the 7th day. The extent of mouth opening was greater in the laser group than in the non laser group at all-time points which was statistically significant only on 2nd day (p-value=0.048). Both laser and non laser group had no statistically significant difference in healing (p-value >0.05). Conclusion: The use of therapeutic laser in the postoperative management of patients undergoing surgical removal of impacted third molars decreases postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus.