The effects of a cool saline solution irrigation on mandibular third molar extraction site: a postoperative split-mouth evaluation

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of sterile saline solution irrigation (lavage) performed after mandibular third molar extraction on postoperative complications, utilizing a split-mouth randomized clinical trial design. Methods: Seventeen healthy participants requiring bilateral mandibular third molar extraction were enrolled in this single-center study. In each participant, one impacted third molar was designated as the experimental group and subjected to saline lavage at 4 °C. In contrast, the control group was the other impacted third molar, undergoing saline lavage at 25 °C. Various parameters, including postoperative pain, mouth opening, and facial swelling, were assessed using standardized measures and three-dimensional facial scanning at multiple time points. Results: The average age of participants was 26.66 ± 4.1 years, with no postoperative complications observed in either group. The duration of surgery did not significantly differ between groups. Postoperative pain was significantly reduced in the experimental group during the immediate postoperative period compared with the control group, but this difference diminished over time. No significant differences were observed in mouth opening or facial swelling between groups at any time. Conclusion: In site 4 °C, sterile saline solution irrigation after mandibular third molar extraction may effectively reduce early postoperative complications, particularly pain, without prolonging surgical duration.