Research Information System
Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, vol.23, no.9, pp.1260-1265, 2020 (SCI-Expanded)
Backgound: There are many methods used to alleviate edema, trismus, and pain after impacted third molar (3M) removal, one of which is Kinesio Taping (KT). Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping with Web Strip technique on postoperative morbidity after impacted mandibular 3M extraction. Methods: The study employed a split-mouth and controlled randomized clinical trial design. A total of 60 patients were scheduled for surgical extractions of bilateral lower 3Ms. They were randomly divided into two groups, and KT was applied to one group while the others was determined as a control group without KT application. Tape was applied directly after surgery and maintained for postoperative (post-op) 7 days. Pain intensity was recorded subjectively using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Pain and analgesic usage were recorded on the post-op 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 7thdays. Trismus was evaluated before the surgery and on the post-op 2ndand 7thdays. Facial edema was analyzed on the post-op 2ndand 7thdays by VAS and by measuring the lengths of three lines using a flexible plastic tape measure. Results: VAS pain scores were statistically lower in the KT group on the post-op 1st, 3rdand 7thdays. Total analgesic usage was also significantly lower in the KT group. On the post-op 2ndday, measurement of the lengths of three lines showed a statistically less edema in the KT group. Similar results were obtained from the measurement of edema using VAS. Maximum mouth opening was statistically higher in the KT group on the post-op 2ndand 7thday. Conclusion: KT with the web strip technique should be considered more economic and less traumatic than other approaches, as it is free from systemic side effects and is a simple method to carry out to decrease morbidity.