Comparison of Different Kinesio Taping Techniques After Third Molar Surgery

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Recovery
• Pain Management

Background:

• Elastic therapeutic taping, including Kinesio taping (KT), is recognized for its potential to alleviate postoperative pain and edema.
• Third molar extraction often results in significant swelling, pain, and trismus (jaw stiffness), impacting patient recovery.
• Optimizing postoperative care for third molar surgery is crucial for patient comfort and functional restoration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of two distinct Kinesio taping (KT) techniques against each other and a control group in managing postoperative swelling, pain, and trismus following third molar surgery.
• To evaluate a novel KT application method against a classic KT technique for its impact on surgical outcomes.
• To determine if KT can significantly reduce the morbidity associated with impacted third molar extraction.

Main Methods:

• A split-mouth, single-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted involving patients undergoing lower impacted third molar extraction.
• Three groups were established: classic KT (technique A) vs. new KT (technique B); classic KT (technique A) vs. no KT (control); and new KT (technique B) vs. no KT (control).
• Swelling was quantified using the 3dMD Face System, interincisal distance was measured with a digital caliper, and pain was assessed using the visual analog scale at various postoperative intervals.

Main Results:

• Analysis of data from 60 patients revealed that the new KT technique (technique B) resulted in significantly less swelling and improved interincisal distance compared to the classic KT technique (technique A) and the no-KT control group.
• The new technique demonstrated superior outcomes in reducing both edema and jaw mobility limitations post-surgery.
• No specific mention of pain score differences between techniques in the provided results, but swelling and interincisal distance were notably reduced with technique B.

Conclusions:

• Kinesio taping (KT) is a valuable adjunct for mitigating postoperative morbidity after impacted third molar surgery.
• The newly developed KT technique shows greater effectiveness in reducing swelling and improving jaw mobility compared to the classic KT method.
• The findings suggest that the novel KT application could offer enhanced benefits for patients recovering from third molar extractions.