Soft tissue stretch combined with physical factors improves trismus and mandibular function after third molar removal / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:The third molar extraction may lead to different degrees of soft tissue damage. Ultrasound and ultrashort waves belong to hyperthermia, which can increase tissue temperature and improve the therapeutic efficacy of soft tissue stretch. OBJECTIVE:To observe the effects of soft tissue stretch combined with ultrasound and ultrashort wave therapy for patients who were recently diagnosed with trismus and pain folowing third molar removal. METHODS:Sixteen patients with trismus and pain after third molar removal were randomly divided into two groups: patients in stretch group received soft tissue stretch with ultrasound and ultrashort wave therapy, while those in control group received only ultrasound and ultrashort wave therapy. Patients received the treatment five times per week, totaly for 2 weeks. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:It was found that after treatment pain was significantly reduced at the temporomandibular joint, and the range of maximum active mouth opening increased significantly. The improvement in mouth opening and temporomandibular joint function was better in the stretch group than the control group. These findings indicate that ultrasound and ultrashort wave therapy can improve symptoms of trismus and pain folowing third molar removal, and the combination of ultrasound and ultrashort wave therapy and soft tissue stretch therapy can achieve more effective results.