Comparative Evaluation of Postoperative Edema Following Mandibular Third Molar Extraction Using Zirconia versus Carbide Burs

Aim: The use of zirconia burs with low thermal conductivity in the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars may improve postoperative patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using zirconia burs on postoperative edema, trismus, and pain in impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and Method: This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted between January and July 2023 with participants who underwent impacted mandibular third molar extraction surgery at the Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The primary outcome measures were facial volume and surface area change measured by a mobile 3D scanning device. Postoperative maximum interincisal opening (MIO) and pain (measured by the VAS) were secondary outcome measures for this study. Age, sex, classification and position of the mandibular third molar were the demographic variables. Facial volume changes, MIO, and pain were compared within and between groups using a general linear model. Results: A total of 40 patients aged between 18 and 45 years were included in the final analysis. Postoperative facial volume, surface area, MIO, and pain did not significantly differ between the zirconia group and the carbide bur group on days 3 and 7 (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of zirconia burs for bone removal in mandibular wisdom tooth extraction did not result in a statistically significant difference with regard to postoperative facial edema, MIOs or pain.