Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Postoperative Swelling After Third Molar Surgery Using 2 Different Cooling Therapy Methods: A Randomized Observer-Blind Prospective Study

Abstract

In most cases, the removal of third molars leads to a significant degree of tissue trauma, resulting in common postoperative symptoms and signs of pain, facial swelling, dysfunction, and limited mouth opening (trismus). The beneficial effects of cold treatment on postoperative swelling, edema, pain, and inflammation, as well as the reduction in bleeding and hematomas, have been described. The aim of the present study was to compare postoperative cooling therapy using cooling compresses with that using the water-circulating cooling face mask by Hilotherm. We recorded the beneficial effects on postoperative facial swelling, pain, trismus, and neurologic complaints. A total of 30 patients were scheduled to undergo third molar surgery and were divided randomly into 2 groups for treatment with either the Hilotherm or conventional cooling with cooling compresses. Cooling was performed one time for 45 minutes immediately after surgery. Facial swelling was quantified using a 3-dimensional optical scanning technique. The pain and neurologic scores and the degree of mouth opening were observed for each patient. Patients receiving cooling therapy using Hilotherm demonstrated less facial swelling, less pain, a tendency toward fewer neurologic complaints, and were more satisfied than the patients who had received conventional cooling. The results of our study have shown that the Hilotherm is more efficient for managing postoperative swelling and pain after the removal of third molars than conventional cooling using compresses.