The effect of kinesio taping with the web strip technique on pain, edema, and trismus after impacted mandibular third molar surgery

Backgound: There are many methods used to alleviate edema, trismus, and pain after impacted third molar (3M) removal, one of which is Kinesio Taping (KT).

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping with Web Strip technique on postoperative morbidity after impacted mandibular 3M extraction.

Methods: The study employed a split-mouth and controlled randomized clinical trial design. A total of 60 patients were scheduled for surgical extractions of bilateral lower 3Ms. They were randomly divided into two groups, and KT was applied to one group while the others was determined as a control group without KT application. Tape was applied directly after surgery and maintained for postoperative (post-op) 7 days. Pain intensity was recorded subjectively using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Pain and analgesic usage were recorded on the post-op 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 7^th days. Trismus was evaluated before the surgery and on the post-op 2^nd and 7^th days. Facial edema was analyzed on the post-op 2^nd and 7^th days by VAS and by measuring the lengths of three lines using a flexible plastic tape measure.

Results: VAS pain scores were statistically lower in the KT group on the post-op 1^st, 3^rd and 7^th days. Total analgesic usage was also significantly lower in the KT group. On the post-op 2^nd day, measurement of the lengths of three lines showed a statistically less edema in the KT group. Similar results were obtained from the measurement of edema using VAS. Maximum mouth opening was statistically higher in the KT group on the post-op 2^nd and 7^th day.

Conclusion: KT with the web strip technique should be considered more economic and less traumatic than other approaches, as it is free from systemic side effects and is a simple method to carry out to decrease morbidity.

Keywords: Edema; impacted third molar; kinesiologic tape; morbidity; pain.