This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Er:YAG laser in the removal of impacted mandibular third molars compared to the conventional surgical technique. The study assesses surgical efficiency, postoperative pain, swelling, trismus, and overall patient recovery. The goal is to determine whether the Er:YAG laser provides a safer and less traumatic alternative to traditional bone-cutting methods during third molar surgery.
Impacted mandibular third molars are among the most commonly extracted teeth, and conventional surgical removal often involves bone cutting using rotary instruments, which may increase postoperative morbidity. Laser-assisted surgery, particularly using the Er:YAG laser, has been proposed as a minimally invasive alternative with potential benefits such as reduced thermal damage, improved healing, and less postoperative discomfort. This study compares Er:YAG laser-assisted bone removal with the conventional bur technique in terms of operative time, intraoperative ease, and postoperative outcomes including pain, edema, and trismus. Patients meeting the eligibility criteria are randomly allocated into two groups: a laser-assisted surgery group and a conventional surgery group. Standardized measurements and follow-up assessments are conducted to evaluate clinical outcomes and determine the effectiveness and safety of the Er:YAG laser in third molar surgery.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
24
Er:YAG laser (2940 nm) used for bone cutting during impacted mandibular third molar surgery.
Conventional rotary instruments used for bone removal during surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.
Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University
Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt
Postoperative Pain Score
Postoperative pain will be assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain) at postoperative intervals.
Time frame: Immediate postoperative, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days
Postoperative Swelling
Facial swelling will be measured using linear facial measurements (tragus-pogonion and gonion-pogonion distances) preoperatively and at postoperative intervals.
Time frame: Immediate postoperative, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days
Postoperative Trismus
Maximum interincisal mouth opening will be measured in millimeters preoperatively and at postoperative intervals to assess trismus.
Time frame: Immediate postoperative, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days
Bone Density
Bone density at the extraction site will be assessed using standardized digital radiographs. Gray-scale values will be measured at predetermined reference points to compare bone healing between groups.
Time frame: Immediate postoperative, 1 month, and 3 months
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