COMPARISON OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CLOSURE OF THE WOUND AFTER SURGICAL REMOVAL OF IMPACTED MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLAR ON POSTOPERATIVE PAIN AND SWELLING

ABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the primary and secondary closure of surgical wound after
impacted third molar removal in term of postoperative mean pain score and swelling score.
Material and Methods: Study was conducted at 200 patients after getting proper prior permission from hospital ethical
committee. Demographic information and history were obtained. Patients were examined for impacted third molar
removal. The patients were divided into two groups, by using random number table, in Group A and Group B.
The Surgical removal of the impacted third molars was then performed with standardized technique under local anesthesia.
Postoperative prescriptions of amoxicillin 500mg and diclofenac sodium 50 mg, 3 times daily for 5 and3 days,
respectively, were given to all patients. The patients were asked to record the pain intensity and swelling on follow-up.
Results: A total of 200 patients were divided in two equal groups, managed by primary closure and another group
of patients were going through secondary closure. Sex distribution among the groups was insignificant with p-value=
0.476. The overall average age of the patients was 37.31 years+ 8.87SD. The age distribution among the group
was also insignificant with p-value 0.400. Pain was significant in both the procedure with p-value=0.019. Swelling was
also significant in both the procedure with p-value=0.001.
Conclusion: We found secondary closure of surgical wound after third molar a safe and effective method with less
swelling and pain as compared to primary closure.
Keywords: Primary closure, secondary closure, impacted third molar, pain, swelling, Visual analogue scale (VAS)