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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2022 Nov 1;27(6):e518-e524.
doi: 10.4317/medoral.25425.

Double blind randomized clinical trial comparing minimally- invasive envelope flap and conventional envelope flap on impacted lower third molar surgery

S-M Costa  1 , B-C Ribeiro, A-S Gonçalves, L-M Araújo, G-L Toledo, M-B Amaral
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Double blind randomized clinical trial comparing minimally- invasive envelope flap and conventional envelope flap on impacted lower third molar surgery

S-M Costa et al. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. .

Abstract

Background: The latest trend in surgery is to look for minimally invasive procedures, with fewer complications and a shorter recovery time. This study aims to compare the minimally- invasive envelope flap, with smaller incision and fewer dissection and the conventional envelope flap, with a 20mm incision, on impacted mandibular third molar surgery, focusing on the hypothesis that there were no differences in postoperative outcomes.

Material and methods: A double-blind randomized clinical trial was designed to compare both incisions, focused on determining the approach with minor postoperative side-effects and minor impact on quality-of-life. A total of 60 patients were enrolled for the study if their presented impacted mandibular third molar and was 18-years-old or more. Both groups were evaluated from time elapsed on the surgery, maximum mouth opening, swelling and quality of life assessment.

Results: The flap choice influenced facial swelling (p=0,03), pain on the first three days (p=0,037), interference with oral hygiene (p=0,019) and discomfort on speech (p=0,07). Chewing, swallowing, trismus, pain after seven days, postoperative complications and other quality-of-life arrangements were no different between groups.

Conclusions: The minimally- invasive envelope flap could lead to a less painful experience for the patient, with fewer impact on the oral hygiene and speech discomfort.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest None of the authors is exposed to conflicts of interests, financial or corporate affiliations within the past years.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schematic representation of conventional envelope flap, from incision to sutures.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Schematic representation of minimally-invasive envelope flap, from incision to sutures.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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