Comparative Assessment of Surgical Outcome Using Reduction Gear Handpiece and Conventional Handpiece While Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Prospective Study

Background: To find out the operating time and to investigate post-operative sequelae following impacted mandibular third molar surgery after using reduction gear and conventional handpiece for the osteotomy. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 15 bilaterally symmetrical mandibular impacted third molars patients; one side of tooth was removed with reduction gear handpiece and another side with conventional handpiece with an average interval time of 3-4 weeks. Measurement of facial swelling, maximal interincisal distance was made preoperatively and on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 8th, and 15th post-operative days. Pain was evaluated from patients response to numerical rating scale and operating time was also recorded in both groups. Results: Reduction gear treated group showed a significant reduction in pain, swelling and trismus as compared with the control group at all intervals. There was statistically significant reduction in operating time in reduction gear handpiece treated group when compared to conventional handpiece treated group. Conclusion: Reduction gear handpiece is an effective therapeutic tool for reducing operating time, and post-operative sequelae following surgical removal of impacted third molars. Moreover, further clinical trials with larger sample size should be done to get more affirmative and conclusive results.