Clinical evaluation of the effect of four flap designs on the post–operative sequel (pain, swelling and trismus) following lower third molar surgery

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the effect of differentflap designs on pain, swelling and trismus following surgicalremoval of impacted mandibular third molar. The study wascarried out in Oral and Maxillofacial Department, DentalTeaching Hospital of Dentistry College, Mosul University.Sixty patients were included in the research where theywere divided into 4 groups, each comprised of 15 patients. Inthe first group, the impacted teeth were removed using an envelopeflap. In the second group, a standard flap was used forthe removal of impacted teeth. For the third group, the impactedteeth were removed using modified standard flap.While in the fourth group, S–shaped flap was used. Pain,swelling and trismus were assessed clinically post–operativelyat 1 day, 3 days and 7 days intervals. Pain and swellingwere evaluated subjectively while trismus was evaluated bymeasuring the maximum mouth opening ability (in mm) betweenthe right upper and right lower central incisors using avernier. The results showed no significant effect among the 4flap designs on post–operative complaints.It was concluded that the type of incision appears tohave no effect on the degree of pain, swelling and trismusfollowing surgical removal of impacted lower third molar.