Management of pain after third molar surgery: a review of literature and recent advances

Abstract

Background : Pain has been identified as the most common cause of postoperative morbidity after the surgical removal of impacted lower third molars which could be severe enough to affect the patients' daily life. Several studies have been done on impacted mandibular third molars in developed countries, where several millions of dollars are spent annually on the management of impacted third molars, yet morbidity following lower third molar surgery still remains a great concern to many clinicians. Objective : The aim of this review is to evaluate and highlight the different methods available for the control of pain after lower third molar surgery. This will enable oral surgeons carrying out lower third molar surgical procedures to be properly guided and well informed on postoperative pain management. Conclusion : The studies reviewed did not confirm the effectiveness of the routine use of any systemic or local agent for the control of pain after third molar surgery without other undesirable effects. Consequently several non-therapeutic methods have been devised by oral surgeons to control the postoperative pain to a tolerable level. Orient Journal of Medicine Vol. 18(1&2) 2006: 1-10