Comparative study of pain control by cryotherapy of exposed bone following extraction of wisdom teeth.

A study was conducted to determine whether cryotherapy of bone exposed during the surgical removal of wisdom teeth is able to reduce the intensity of pain and general discomfort. Study design. A prospective investigation of 107 patients who required extraction of two wisdom teeth, one on the left and one on the right side of the lower jaw. Cryotherapy was carried out on one side only. Employing a visual analogue scale, the intensity of pain and general discomfort (swelling, inflammation, insomnia etc.) was recorded. Other parameters such as swelling, patient preference, and duration of the operation were also recorded. The chi-squared test was employed to compare the results between the treated and non-treated sides. There was significantly less pain, swelling and discomfort following the use of cryotherapy. Patient preference was also for cryotherapy. Operation time and the occurrence of inflammation were similar in both groups. In conclusion, cryotherapy is an effective procedure for reducing pain, swelling and general discomfort following extraction of a wisdom tooth in the lower jaw without creating irreversible sequelae.