To compare standard incision and comma shaped incision and its influence on post-operative complications in surgical removal of impacted third molars.

OBJECTIVES To compare standard incision and comma shaped incision and its influence on post operative complications in surgical removal of impacted third molar. METHODS This was a cross-over trial. Twenty subjects with bilateral impacted mandibular third molars were recruited for the study. A standard incision was made on one side of the lower jaw and a comma incision was made on the other side to reflect the mucoperiosteal flap, after which the common steps for removal of impacted third molars were followed. The post- operative parameters were recorded immediately on the post -operative days 1, 3 and 7 respectively. RESULTS The pain scores which were recorded on days 1, 3 and 7 in the surgical area with comma incisions were found to be significantly lower as compared to the pain scores in the area where standard incisions were made. Similarly, swelling was lesser with comma incisions than with standard incisions. There was a significant difference in mouth opening between the two incisions on day 1, but no significance was seen on days 3 and 7. All these findings showed significant statistical differences. CONCLUSION The results of the study showed that the new incision design was preferable over the conventional method, considering the lesser degree of post-operative complications. The cross-over design of the study greatly enhanced its statistical power and validity.