A Comparison Between Comma Incision and Ward's Incision in Third Molar Extraction in Terms of Postoperative Sequel

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Techniques
• Dental Research

Background:

• Impacted mandibular third molar extraction is a common dental procedure.
• Standard Ward's incision is a traditional surgical approach.
• Complications like pain, swelling, and limited jaw movement can occur post-extraction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of the standard Ward's incision versus a comma-shaped incision.
• To evaluate the impact of these incisions on post-operative complications.
• To determine the optimal incision technique for impacted mandibular third molar surgery.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 40 patients undergoing impacted mandibular third molar extraction.
• Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (Ward's incision) and Group B (comma-shaped incision).
• Pain, swelling, trismus (lockjaw), and wound healing were assessed pre-operatively and at multiple time points post-operatively.

Main Results:

• The comma-shaped incision group reported significantly lower pain scores at all post-operative evaluation points.
• Reduced swelling and improved mouth opening (less trismus) were observed in the comma-shaped incision group.
• Superior wound healing was noted with the comma-shaped incision compared to the standard Ward's incision.

Conclusions:

• The comma-shaped incision is a more advantageous technique for impacted mandibular third molar extraction.
• This technique leads to fewer post-operative complications, including pain, swelling, and trismus.
• The comma-shaped incision offers improved patient outcomes and recovery compared to the traditional Ward's incision.