Factors associated with facial swelling severity following impacted lower third molar surgery : a prospective study

Abstract EN

Background : The ultimate purpose of this prospective study is to estimate and measure swelling associated with surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars in different four post-operative times and to identify the risk factors associated with determination of their risk degree. Material and Methods : In this prospective cohort study 159 consecutive cases in which removal of impacted lower third molars in 107outpatients were evaluated.

Five groups of variables have been studied which are regarded as a potential factor for swelling after mandibular third removal which will enable the surgeon to predict and counsel high risk patients in order to offer a preventive strategy. Results : Facial measurements were carried out on 1st, 2nd days, 1st and 2nd week postoperatively to measure the swelling area in each time respectively The peak level of swelling was noted on the second post-operative day and subside by seven days but in some cases the swelling was still in minor degree while in most patients it was zero by day 14. Conclusions : The degree of difficulty of the surgical extraction was the main indicators of risk factors for the swelling in all post-operative days because it involves all the other risk factors together.