Effectiveness of manual lymph drainage and low level laser treatment in impacted lower molar surgery

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Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and low level laser therapy (LLLT) on postoperative pain, edema and trismus in the impacted lower third molar tooth (ILTMT) surgery.Material and Methods: The study included 36 patients with a mean age of 25.7 ± 5.9 years.Patients were randomized into 3 groups: MLD, LLTT and control groups.Pain (Visual Analogue Scale-VAS), edema (craniometric measurement) and trismus (maximum interinsisal distance measurement) were evaluated.Evaluations were made before surgery, 24, 48 and 72 hours after surgery, and on the 7th day after surgery.Results: The mean pain level between the 4th and 7th days of the two treatment groups and the use of additional pain medication during the treatment were significantly lower than the control group.The mean edema increase and mouth opening values did not differ significantly between the treatment groups in the postoperative 7th day compared to the preoperative period, but it was significantly higher in the control group.Discussion: It was concluded that MLD and LLLT after ILTMT surgery can be used effectively in the clinic to reduce pain and edema and improve mouth opening.It is thought that our study will provide a basis for future studies on MLD treatment in areas such as oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as orthognathic surgery.