Journal of Research and Advancement in Dentistry
Official publication of Magadh University and Kolhan University, Government of Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Official publication of Magadh University and Kolhan University, Government of Bihar and Jharkhand, India
Year : 2019
Volume : Volume 10
Issue : Issue 3
Address for correspondence :
Dr. Priyank Rai.
vinayrita226l@gmail.com
Background: The purpose of this study is to relate and evaluate the efficacy of lasers assisted surgical incision with the conventional scalpel incision in third molar surgery. Materials & Method: A split mouth comparative study was conducted comprising of 40 healthy patients who were diagnosed clinically and radiographically with identical bilateral impacted lower third molars and required their surgical removal. The right side of the patient was designated as the test side where the surgical incision for the removal of impacted third molars was performed using surgical laser and the left side of the patient was designated as control side where the surgical incision for the removal of impacted third molars was performed with the aid of a surgical scalpel. All surgical interventions for the removal of impacted third molars were performed using a modified Ward’s incision. The efficacy of lasers assisted surgical incision and the conventional scalpel incision were evaluated and compared using parameters like ease of surgical incision, bleeding, VAS score for pain, post-operative analgesic intake and postoperative healing. Results: The results of this study reveal that the ease in making the surgical incision was almost similar with laser and scalpel but the surgical field was better when incisions were made using a laser than a scalpel. Less blood loss was encountered with laser and pain in the immediate postoperative phase was relatively less with lasers than scalpel. The amount of postoperative analgesic intake was same at the first postoperative day in both groups but less at the 3 – 5th postoperative days in laser than scalpel. However, the wound healing at the 7th postoperative day was better for scalpel than lasers. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that lasers are very effective than scalpel in providing clear field of surgery, ease of surgical incision and minimal intraoperative bleeding facilitating in performing minor oral surgical interventions with minimal hassle and better clinical outcome.
Keywords: lasers, scalpel, third molars.
