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Three-dimensional evaluation of postoperative swelling after third molar surgery using 2 different cooling therapy
Majeed Rana1, Nils-Claudius Gellrich, Alireza Ghassemi
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. rana.majeed@mh-hannover.de
Summary
Hilotherm cooling masks significantly reduce facial swelling and pain after third molar surgery compared to traditional cold compresses. This advanced cooling therapy offers improved patient satisfaction and management of common postoperative symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Postoperative Care
- Cryotherapy
Background:
- Third molar removal frequently causes significant tissue trauma, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mouth opening (trismus).
- Cold therapy is recognized for its benefits in reducing postoperative swelling, pain, and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of Hilotherm water-circulating cooling face mask versus conventional cooling compresses for managing postoperative symptoms after third molar extraction.
- To evaluate the impact on facial swelling, pain, trismus, and neurologic complaints.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 30 patients undergoing third molar surgery.
- Patients were assigned to either Hilotherm or conventional cooling compress groups for 45 minutes immediately post-surgery.
- Facial swelling was measured using 3D optical scanning; pain, neurologic scores, and mouth opening were also recorded.
Main Results:
- The Hilotherm group experienced significantly less facial swelling and pain compared to the conventional cooling group.
- A trend towards fewer neurologic complaints was observed in the Hilotherm group.
- Patients using Hilotherm reported higher satisfaction levels.
Conclusions:
- The Hilotherm water-circulating cooling face mask is more effective than conventional cooling compresses in managing postoperative swelling and pain following third molar removal.
- Hilotherm offers a superior approach to postoperative care for third molar surgery patients.