The piezoelectric and rotatory osteotomy technique in impacted third molar surgery: comparison of postoperative recovery

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was the comparison of postoperative outcome in mandibular impacted third molars treated by piezoelectric surgery or by rotatory osteotomy technique.

Patients and methods: One hundred patients with impacted mandibular third molars were included in the study. Fifty patients were treated by rotatory osteotomy technique (group A) and 50 patients were treated by piezoelectric osteotomy technique (group B). Therapeutic protocol was the same for both groups. Twenty-four hours after surgery, 2 different parameters, facial swelling and trismus, were evaluated in both groups. A pair of compasses were used for the evaluation of facial swelling and trismus was evaluated.

Results: The average surgery time was 17 minutes in group A, 23 minutes in group B; the mean facial swelling was 7.04 mm in group A, 4.22 mm in group B; trismus was 16.76 mm in group A, 12.52 mm in group B. Statistical analysis showed a significant reduction (P < .05) of postoperative facial swelling and trismus in group B; however, in this group, a statistically significant increased (P < .05 vs group A) surgery time was required.

Conclusion: The piezoelectric osteotomy technique produced a reduced amount of facial swelling and trismus 24 hours after surgery, but a longer surgery time was required when compared with the rotatory osteotomy technique.