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Handpiece speed and postoperative outcomes in third molar surgery
John H Campbell1, R Anthony Murray
1Indiana University School of Dentistry, Department of Oral Surgery and Hospital Dentistry, USA.
Journal (Indiana Dental Association)
|July 23, 2004
Summary
This study found no significant difference in pain, swelling, or complications when removing impacted third molars using either slow-speed (30,000 rpm) or high-speed (90,000 rpm) surgical handpieces. Operator preference should guide instrument selection.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Surgical Technology
Background:
- Impacted lower third molar extractions are common surgical procedures.
- Surgical handpiece speed and irrigation methods may influence postoperative outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare surgical outcomes of impacted lower third molar removal using externally irrigated slow-speed (30,000 rpm) versus high-speed (90,000 rpm) surgical handpieces.
Main Methods:
- A bilateral split-mouth study design was used with 53 patients completing the trial.
- Each patient served as their own control, with one side treated by slow-speed and the other by high-speed handpiece.
- Postoperative pain, swelling, and complications were assessed via questionnaire for seven days.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in the degree of postoperative pain between the two groups.
- Swelling levels were comparable between the slow-speed and high-speed handpiece groups.
- The incidence of surgical complications did not differ significantly between the tested instrumentation speeds.
Conclusions:
- The speed of the surgical handpiece (slow vs. high) does not appear to impact postoperative outcomes for impacted lower third molar extraction.
- The choice between slow-speed and high-speed instrumentation for this procedure should be based on the surgeon's individual preference.
- Further research could explore other factors influencing surgical outcomes in third molar surgery.