The influence of closure or dressing of third molar sockets on post-operative swelling and pain.

This study compares the influence of complete closure as opposed to partial closure and dressing of lower third molar sockets on post-operative pain and swelling, and on healing. These closure techniques were used on opposite sides of the mouths of each of 70 patients undergoing bilateral third molar surgery. The comparison of the two techniques within each individual patient showed that complete closure resulted in more pain and swelling post-operatively in a significant number of patients, but that the use of a dressing delayed satisfactory healing in a few patients.