Kinesiology Taping as an Innovative Measure against Post-Operative Complications after Third Molar Extraction—Systematic Review

Abstract

There are many randomized clinical trials suggesting a positive effect of kinesiotaping on postoperative swelling. In dentistry, however, the use of kinesiotaping still seems to be innovative, since not many articles on kinesiotaping within the craniofacial area have been published. This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize available controlled trials examining the use of kinesiotaping to reduce morbidity after third molar extraction. Literature searches for free text and MeSH terms were performed using five search engines, and used to find studies which focused on kinesiotaping as a form of rehabilitation after third molar extraction. The keywords used in the search were: “((“molar, third”[MeSH Terms] OR (“molar”[All Fields] AND “third”[All Fields]) OR “third molar”[All Fields] OR (“third”[All Fields] AND “molar”[All Fields])) AND extraction [All Fields]) AND “kinesiology”[All Fields]”. For the assessment of the risk of bias, the Jadad and Maastricht scales were applied. The search strategy identified 317 potential articles. After analysis, 10 papers were included in the final evaluation. Despite the fact that most of the included articles adhered to methodological standards, the fact that there are only a few of them points to a further need for scientific development of physiotherapy in this regard. Kinesiology taping is useful against post-operative morbidity of the third molar extraction site. The present studies show a low level of the risk of bias, but they are limited in number; therefore, it seems that more research is needed.

Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Pain Modulation in a Rat Model with Myogenous Temporomandibular Dysfunction

“…It is important to note that this is the first report in the published literature on exploring the central modulation of antinociception in the use of ULF-TENS in TMD. Therefore, it may be possible that ULF-TENS may provide an innovative measure on pain reduction in various TMD post-operative complications similar to the previous results of kinesiotapping against orofacial pain induced by molar extraction [36]. Some limitations should be taken into account.…”

Clinical Indications to Germectomy in Pediatric Dentistry: A Systematic Review

“…The management of post-surgical complications after surgical removal of LM3, as periodontal status and increased mobility of LM2, pain, swelling, trismus and temperature has been significantly improved in the last years through the use of novel techniques. Among all the new techniques, it is worth highlighting how kinesiotaping can meet with greater approval, especially in patients of developmental age, as is already known in sports and by the media [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ].…”

Effect of Intraoral Drainage after Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Extraction on Non-Infectious Postoperative Complications

“…Using flat drains is a form of drainage that is less invasive than inserting round drains into the postoperative wound, inducing free flow of exudate; at the same time, it is an alternative to methods minimizing postoperative complications-steroid therapy, cryotherapy, laser therapy, Kinesio Taping [39][40][41][42][43].…”