A randomized observer blind comparison of bilateral facial ice pack therapy with no ice therapy following third molar surgery

Non-Pharmacological Therapies in Pain Management

“…Results of the studies made in the area have shown that the cold treatment has increased the pain threshold (Koç et al 2006;Raynor et al 2005;Sarifakioğlu & Sarifakioğlu 2004). So, the cold treatments that are applied locally are used to reduce the edema and treat the pain by taking the inflammation process under control (Saeki 2002;Sarifakioğlu & Sarifakioğlu 2004;Van der Westhuijzen et al 2005). It has been stated that cold treatment over the area where surgical sutures are found after lumbar disc surgery reduces both the pain during first 24 hours and the need for morphine (Brandner et al 1996).…”

Efficacy of Ice Pack Therapy After Impacted Third Molar Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

“…This results in the reduction of metabolism at the site of the cold application and enables the growth of bacteria to be controlled. 1,13,14 It should be noted that the application of ice on a certain area like the jaw results in the cutaneous layer to be rapidly chilled, however its impact on the deeper tissues is significantly reduced and occurs at a much slower rate. It should not be neglected that exposure to the extreme cold for a long period of time causes damage or even death of cells.…”

“…[15][16][17][18] In contrast, van der Westhuijen et al 1 stated that ice application in the early 24 hours of postoperative period after the impacted third molar surgery does not have a statistically significant impact in decreasing pain and swelling. Other authors have also expressed similar apprehensions.…”

“…Operation time, experience of the surgeon, gender and age of the patient, angulation and the degree of embeddedness of the impacted tooth are some of those factors. 1,21,23 As impacted lower third molar surgery is the most common oral surgery procedure and that this surgery has a high incidence of postoperative pain, edema and trismus, it is vital that the inflammatory process and the effectiveness of ice therapy in combatting that process be studied. It is still undetermined whether ice therapy, which is commonly recommended after the frequently conducted third molar surgery, has a statistically significant impact in alleviating postoperative complications.…”

“…Although studies exist that have shown the application has been conducive to alleviating postoperative pain, the number of studies is still insufficient to fully determine the necessity. 1,[4][5][6] This study plans to ascertain the efficiency of applying cold application when compared to not applying it in the early 24 hour period following wisdom teeth extraction.…”