RESUMEN
Surgical removal of third molar is one of the most common surgical procedures in oral surgery and is often associated with complications such as pain, swelling and trismus. The main purpose of the study was to assess the therapeutic effect of low level laser [LLL] irradiation on postoperative edema and wound healing compared to routine postoperative management after third molar surgery. A double blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2 groups of 20 patients, each undergoing surgical removal of their impacted mandibular third molars. Postoperatively, patients in study group were irradiated with Ga-Al-As laser with a diode wavelength of 890nm and a power output of 80 mw in pulsed mode for 6 minutes intraorally. The control group received only routine post-surgical management including 400 mg Ibuprofen 4 times daily and cold packs. Intraoral low level laser therapy [LLLT] resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the amount of swelling on the 2nd postoperative day compared to the control group. The healing process was significantly better in laser- irradiated wounds. The LLLT with Ga-Al-As laser seems to be safe and can be considered as an effective modality for reducing postoperative discomfort and promoting wound healing after third molar surgery
RESUMEN
The long-term outcome and clinical results of gaparthro plasty used for the treatment of condylar ankylosis of the mandible in children with application of postoperative activator appliances and costochondral rib graft are evaluated and compared. A nonrandomized, retrospective clinical study of 10 cases of condylar ankylosis [18 Joints] of the mandible surgically treated during a 12 year period from 1990 to 2002 was performed. Four patients were treated by condylectomy and interpositional Flap and Six patients were treated by condylectomy and immediate costachondral rib grafts. The First group underwent long-term postoperative therapy using removable activator appliances. Casts, radiagraphs, photographs, computed tomography [CT] Scans, were Used post surgically to evaluate rib graft, condylar growth and function, occlusion, and Facial and condylar symmetry. Symmetry, arch coordination, correction of occlusal canting, mandibular deviation, facial growth and prevention of reankylosis were obtained and better controlled in those cases that underwent long-tern or thodontic activator therapy post operatively and were followed closely. Children with long-standing condylar ankylosis of the mandible and its resultant facial asymmetry and occlusal canting [Secondry to a non functional jaint and Maxillary compensation] treated with condylectomy and interpositional flap treated more favorably when activators were used postsurgically. The patients that failed to comply with or continue activator therapy postsurgically developed complications relating to mandibular deviation, occlusal dysharmony, asymmetry and rankylosis of the temporo mandibular joint [TMJ]