Effect of ice compression on pain after mandibular third molar surgery: a single-blind, randomized controlled trial

T. Forouzanfar, A. Sabelis, S. Ausems, J.A. Baart, I. van der Waal

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    Abstract

    This study was designed to investigate the effect of compression with ice and compression alone on pain and quality of life after surgical removal of mandibular third molars. A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study design was chosen. Participants in group A applied 45 min of repeated compression with ice; those in group B applied 45 min of repeated compression without ice (control); and those in group C did not apply any compression. Pain intensity was measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) three times a day for seven days. At day seven, overall pain reduction was scored on a global perceived effect (GPE) scale and a quality-of-life questionnaire was completed. Ninety-five patients completed the trial.

    The VAS scores demonstrated a significant pain decrease in groups A and B three days postoperatively. No significant differences were observed between groups A and B. Based on the GPE ratings, in groups A and B more patients indicated that pain was reduced successfully, but this was not statistically significant. Quality of life was significantly better for patients in groups A and B. These results demonstrate that compression after surgical removal of mandibular third molars is a valuable method for preventing pain.

    Original languageUndefined/Unknown
    Pages (from-to)824-830
    JournalInternational Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
    Volume37
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

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