Page 60 - Demo

AbstractPurpose: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of an iodine tampon after mandibular third molar surgery on oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) use of painkillers, postoperative sequela and self-care behaviors in the first postoperative week.Study design: This prospective cross-over, randomized controlled study included patients undergoing surgical removal of bilateral symmetrically, horizontally impacted mandibular third molars. The surgical site was randomly allocated to receive an iodine tampon after surgery or wound closure and rinsing with a Monoject® syringe. Primary outcomes measured each day during the first postoperative week were the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 score and postoperative sequela, including pain, swelling, limited mouth opening, pain, postoperative infection, and alveolar osteitis. Secondary outcome measures were several self-care behaviors. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and paired-samples t-tests. Results: A total of 54 patients (25 men and 29 women; mean age 25.1 years) were enrolled with a total of 108 surgically removed impacted mandibular third molars. The use of an iodine tampon resulted in a significantly lower impact on oral health-related quality of life (m=21.5, sd=9.6 vs m=26.5, sd=10.6) on the first postoperative day, which was observable until the 7th postoperative day. In addition, following removal the impacted third molar, patients in the iodine tampon condition reported less pain (m=5.2, sd=1.9 vs m=6.1, sd=2.1 on day one, lasting throughout the week), less use of painkillers, less limited mouth opening, fewer problems chewing, less swelling, and earlier recovery. Conclusion: The use of a postoperative iodine packing after the removal of impacted mandibular third molars significantly reduces OHRQoL and postoperative sequela.