The efficacy of hyaluronic acid in postextraction sockets of impacted third molars: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of local hyaluronic acid (HA) administration to surgically remove impacted third molar sockets and measure pain, swelling, and trismus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included a total of 25 healthy patients aged 18-29 years with asymptomatic bilaterally impacted lower third molars. All cases have been performed under local anesthesia. In the study group, 0.8% HA (Gengigel®) was applied in the postextraction sockets of the right third molars and in the control group nothing was applied to the extraction sockets of the left third molars. Postoperative pain, trismus, and swelling were evaluated on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th postoperative days.

RESULTS: No difference was determined between groups in facial swelling and maximum mouth opening. However, the amount of pain significantly reduced in HA groups according to visual analog scale (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that HA can produce an analgesic action in postextraction sockets after surgical removal of impacted teeth and therefore it has a clinical benefit to reduce usage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after dentoalveolar surgery.