Comparative Assessment of Post-Operative Sequelae Following Surgical Removal of Mandibular Third Molar with and Without Extra-Oral Application of Kinesiologic Tape

Background: The transalveolar extraction of impacted mandibular third molars creates a huge level of injury to the delicate tissues of the oral cavity, which can initiate significant inflammatory reaction. Amongst some postoperative sequelae of third molar surgeries- pain, trismus and facial oedema are the most common. Treating with taping therapy has shown acceptable outcomes in reducing pain and in managing post-operative muscle spasm.

Objectives: The motive behind this research is to compare post-operative pain, swelling and trismus following third molar surgery in both test and control groups.

Methodology: The research will be a prospective randomized control split-mouth non-blinded clinical study model to assess the impact of the Kinesiology Tape (KT) on post-operative sequalae following removal of mandibular third molar surgically. With the cumulative 15 patients to be allocated for operating bilaterally involved impacted mandibular third molar. The study will be done under two groups, Group A – Test group (KT) one side of patient’s face, subjected to beige tape application. Group B – Control group (No KT) other side of patient’s face, will be the controlled group without application of KT. Each patient will undergo 2 operative surgeries at 2 week-interval conducted by the same surgeon. Immediately after extraction extra-oral application of KT will be done for test group.

Expected Results: The use of kinesiologic tape will be effective in improvement of post-operative discomfort of the patient in the conditions of reduction of swelling, pain and trismus.

Conclusion: As kinesiologic taping originates from sports medicine, currently there are very limited evidence- based scientific studies for KT application for treatment of post-operative edema in head and neck surgeries. This study will help to evaluate the use of KT enabling patients to have a restful time after operation leading them to get a better quality of life.