title: Management of inflammatory complications in third molar surgery: a review of the literature.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pain, swelling and trismus are common complications associated with third molar surgery. These complications have been reported to have an adverse effect on the quality of life of patients undergoing third molar surgery.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To review the different modalities of minimizing inflammatory complications in third molar surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A medline literature search was performed to identify articles on management of inflammatory complications in third molar surgery. Standard textbooks of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery were also consulted and some local scientific publications on the subject were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Methods ranges from surgical closure techniques, use of drains, physical therapy and pharmacological means. Studies reviewed have shown that no single modality effectively minimizes postoperative pain, swelling and trismus without undesirable effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Inflammatory complications after third molar surgery still remains an important factor in quality of life of patients at the early postoperative periods. Oral surgeons should be aware of the different modalities of alleviation of these complications to make postoperative recovery more comfortable for patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. otdany@yahoo.co.uk
authors.forename: O D
authors.initials: OD
authors.lastname: Osunde
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Adebola
authors.forename: U K
authors.initials: UK
authors.lastname: Omeje
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017679:Cryotherapy; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000700:Analgesics