Our Experience with Cryotherapy Versus Low-Level Laser Therapy in Managing Postoperative Discomfort of Third Molar...

To compare the effects of cryotherapy and LLLT in minimizing edema, post-operative pain, trismus and post-operative discomfort after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars under local anesthesia.

80 patients between the ages 18-50 years of either gender fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected for the randomized, prospective, single-blind clinical trial. Bilaterally symmetrical mandibular impacted third molars were selected for the study and randomly designated into two groups (Group 1- LLLT, Group 2- CRYOTHERAPY) each. Along with pain, trismus and swelling, POSSe (post-symptom severity scale) was used for assessment of postoperative discomfort throughout the 7 days.

Pain and swelling scores were generally better in cryotherapy group when compared to LLLT Group, specifically in first 3 postoperative days. However, trismus in first 3 postoperative days was significantly less in LLLT group than in the cryotherapy group. Postoperative mouth opening exhibited a reduction of 3.60% in the laser group, where LLLT irradiation was done, whereas in the cryotherapy group, it was much larger, around 17.96%. On evaluating the POSSe, in LLLT group, mostly patients reported that they were affected in enjoyment of food, approximately 40% more than cryotherapy group.

The mechanism of action and result outcomes for cryotherapy and LLLT has the potential to improve the quality of patient care provided by vast majority of clinicians in third molar surgery but when compared pain and swelling were better controlled with cryotherapy and trismus was better dealt with LLLT.