Post-operative interventions to reduce inflammatory complications after third molar surgery: Review of the current evidence

Abstract

Background

Inflammatory complications such as pain, swelling, trismus, infection and alveolar osteitis, have an adverse affect on the quality of life of patients after third molar removal. This review presents the current evidence on post-operative strategies to reduce these complications.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify articles published in English between 2000 to 2016 using the following key words: third molar(s), wisdom tooth/teeth, pain, swelling, trismus, infection, alveolar osteitis, and dry socket.

Results

In total, 221 papers were reviewed. Methods published included analgesics, antibiotics, corticosteroids, mouthwashes, topical gels, cryotherapy, and ozone therapy. This review highlights the variability in evidence available and summarises the findings from best quality evidence.

Conclusions

Paracetamol and ibuprofen are efficacious in managing post-operative pain. Corticosteroids and antibiotics should only be used in selected cases. Chlorhexidine reduces alveolar osteitis. The benefits of cryotherapy, post-operative irrigation and ozone gel are yet to be established.

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