The efficacy of 690 nm diode laser and diclofenac sodium in reduction of signs and symptoms after surgical removal of vertically impacted mandibular third molars

Abstract

The signs and symptoms after surgical removal of the impacted mandibular third molar tooth can include pain, trismus and swelling; there are many modalities to treat these signs and symptoms like pain killer and non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Low power laser therapy can be one of these modalitiesThe aim of the study is to investigate the effects of low power laser therapy, diclofenac sodium or in combination in reduction of post operative signs and symptoms.Material and methods: A total of 40 patients requiring surgical removal of mandibular third molars were divided in 4 groups of 10 patients in each group: the first group treated with low power laser therapy, group 2 was treated with diclofenac sodium, group 3 was treated with combination of low power laser and diclofenac sodium and group 4 was treated with placebo.Results: the postoperative pain records for group 1, group 2 and group 3 were pain records less than that for group 4. The mean of postoperative mouth opening measurements records for group1, group2 and group 3 were more than the group 4. Also the mean of postoperative swelling records for group1, group2 and group 3 were less than the group 4These results may agree with most researchers in proving that Low power laser therapy can be beneficial in the reduction of post-operative signs and symptoms; however the methods of application and the doses of laser power need further investigations.In conclusion low power laser therapy alone or with combination with Diclofenac sodium medication can be good procedure for the reduction of postoperative signs and symptoms after surgical operation of removal of mandibular third molar. Diclofenac sodium medication alone was superior to Low power laser therapy alone