Comparing Postoperative Complications of Impacted Third Molar Extraction between Piezosurgery and Conventional Surgical Handpieces

  Background and purpose: Conventionally, rotary devices were used for bone surgery. Recently, new techniques have been proposed such as piezosurgery. The prevalence of impacted teeth which should be removed is high. There are different techniques for bone removal that are associated with specific complications. This study compared the postoperative complications of impacted third molar extraction between piezoelectric method and conventional surgical handpieces. Materials and methods: A cohort study was done in 40 patients (mean age: 22.05±4.13 years) including 20 men and 20 women. They were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either piezosurgery (group A) or conventional handpiece (group B). The participants were recalled after three days and pain and mouth opening were compared with those of baseline scores as well as dry socket. SPSS v. 25 was used for data analysis. Results: The mean difference in mouth opening was significantly lower in group A than group B (P<0.001). There were no significant differences in pain level between male and female patients and between the two groups (P>0.05). But, patients in piezoelectric group were more satisfied with their surgery. Dry socket was observed only in two cases of group B. Conclusion: The benefits of handpiece method is high speed in operation and lower costs. However, the piezoelectric method is newer, more convenient, and has less trismus than the handpiece method.