The Effect of Kinesio Taping After Impacted Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized Control Trial

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics
• Pain Management

Background:

• Impacted mandibular third molars often lead to postoperative complications.
• Trismus, soft tissue edema, and pain are common issues following surgical extraction.
• Non-invasive interventions are sought to alleviate these post-surgical sequelae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Kinesio taping in managing postoperative trismus.
• To assess the impact of Kinesio taping on soft tissue edema after impacted mandibular third molar surgery.
• To determine the effect of Kinesio taping on postoperative pain levels.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving 40 patients undergoing impacted mandibular third molar extraction.
• Patients were divided into a control group and a Kinesio taping (study) group.
• Kinesio tape was applied for 3 days postoperatively; pain, trismus, and swelling were measured on postoperative days 3 and 7.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in trismus were observed in the Kinesio taping group on postoperative days 3 and 7.
• Significant reduction in soft tissue swelling was noted in the study group on postoperative days 3 and 7.
• The study group demonstrated better outcomes in managing trismus and swelling compared to the control group.

Conclusions:

• Kinesio taping is an effective non-invasive method for reducing postoperative trismus and swelling.
• The application of Kinesio tape presents an easy, economical, and medically relevant approach for patients.
• Kinesio taping may be considered as an adjunct therapy for managing complications after impacted mandibular third molar surgery.