[Application of low intensity ultrasound in the extraction of totally impacted mandibular third molars].
OBJECTIVE
To observe the clinical effects of low intensity ultrasound in extraction of totally impacted third molars.


METHODS
40 patients with totally impacted third molars on both sides of the mandible verified by X-ray were selected. After extraction of the teeth, the socket on one side was treated with low intensity ultrasound while the other side underwent no treatment. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 10.0 on all patients in form of pain, swelling, dry socket and bone healing.


RESULTS
In the experimental group, 4 patients complained of severe pain while 16 patients in the control group (P < 0.05). Moderate or severe swelling were not uncommon in both experimental and control groups (P > 0.05); No patients suffered from dry socket in the experimental group and 4 patients suffered from dry socket in the control group (P < 0.05); There were 35 patients with complete bone healing in the experimental group while 21 patients with complete bone healing in the control group (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of low intensity ultrasound in extraction of totally impacted mandibular third molars reduced the severity of post-operative pain and the incidence dry socket, and it also stimulated bone healing, but it showed no effect on relieving post-operative swelling.
Yuan
Kui-Feng
KF
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China. ykf1963@126.com
Lai
Qing-Guo
QG
Li
Den-Ren
DR
Xia
Ying-Feng
YF
Cui
Yong-Xin
YX
D001861:Bone Regeneration; D004368:Dry Socket; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000601:surgery*; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy