Efficiency of topical ozone gel as an adjunct to antibiotics and analgesics on sequelae after extraction of impacted mandibular third molar

Abstract

Introduction: Extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar is a common procedure in dentistry. Many complications may arise after this operation, the most common being pain, trismus, and swelling. Systemic medications have been used in an attempt to manage these problems, but because of their side effects, the need for non-medication treatment arises to treat these complications without side effects, such as cryotherapy, ice packs, low-level laser therapy, and ozone. Ozone is one of the most effective antimicrobials used in the dentistry field, and it also has a positive effect on soft tissue healing, activates cellular metabolism, and can react with blood components; for these reasons ozone is used to manage trismus, swelling, and pain after removal of the mandibular third molar. Aim: The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of topical ozone gel on complications from the extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients were enrolled in the current study and were randomly divided into two equal groups. Preoperatively clinical examination included measurement of facial swelling measurements and maximum mouth opening. The position and configuration of the impacted lower third molar, the surrounding bone, the mandibular canal, and the neighboring tooth were all assessed using a panoramic X-ray. On days 2 and 7, after surgery, the facial swelling dimensions and maximum mouth opening were again assessed. Statistics were used to analyze results. Results: Findings indicate statistical significance for pain, but not for swelling or mouth opening. Conclusions: After lower third molar surgery, topical ozone gel helps reduce postoperative pain. Keywords: Molar, third; Tooth, impacted; Ozone; Pain; Trismus; Edema.