A randomized observer blind comparison of bilateral facial ice pack therapy with no ice therapy following third molar surgery

This study compares the efficacy of Tecnol® bilateral facial ice packs with no cold therapy in reducing pain, swelling and trismus during the first 24 h following third molar surgery. Sixty patients requiring general anaesthesia for removal of bilateral, impacted third molar teeth were included and randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group received Tecnol® bilateral facial ice packs following surgery, while a control group received no form of cold therapy. Facial ice packs were applied in the recovery room within 15 min of the end surgery and patients were asked to use the ice packs continuously for the next 24 h. Surgical and anaesthetic techniques as well as pharmacological regimens were standardized. Postoperative pain levels were compared hourly, for 4 h, then on the evening of surgery and the following morning. Facial swelling and trismus were ompared preoperatively and 24 h postoperatively. No statistically significant difference was found between the two treatment groups with respect to pain, facial swelling or trismus. © 2004 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.