Vitamin C and postoperative outcomes following mandibular third molar extraction: a randomized split-mouth study

Area of Science:

• Oral surgery
• Nutritional science
• Clinical research

Background:

• Surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars often leads to postoperative complications.
• Optimizing patient recovery and comfort is a key goal in oral surgical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of oral vitamin C supplementation in mitigating early wound healing and postoperative complications.
• To assess the impact of vitamin C on pain, swelling, and trismus following third molar extraction.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial involving 56 participants.
• Bilateral third molar extractions were performed, with one side receiving vitamin C and the other a placebo.
• Clinical outcomes including pain, analgesic use, wound healing, facial swelling, and trismus were assessed on postoperative days 2 and 7.

Main Results:

• Significantly lower pain scores were observed on day 2 in the vitamin C group.
• Facial swelling was significantly reduced on day 2 with vitamin C supplementation.
• While trends favored vitamin C for analgesic use and wound healing, these did not reach statistical significance. Trismus showed no significant difference.

Conclusions:

• Oral vitamin C supplementation demonstrates potential in reducing early postoperative pain and swelling.
• Vitamin C may support early wound healing, offering a safe, accessible, and cost-effective adjunct for oral surgical recovery.
• Further research with extended follow-up and refined dosing is recommended to confirm these findings.