Healing by primary intention versus healing by secondary intention after third molar surgery- a prospective clinical trial

Objectives: To study and to compare the postoperative manifestations (pain, swelling and trismus) using two different techniques after 3rd molar surgery. Material and methods: Thirty healthy patients were subjected to surgical extraction of bilateral semi-impacted lower third molars, located in a similar clinical and radiographic position. In all cases, on one side, the flap will be repositioned to allow healing by first intention and on other side, incision margin will be just approximated, without closing the wound, seeking healing by secondary intention. Pain, swelling and trismus were evaluated at 1st, 3rd and 7 days. Results: There was lesser pain, swelling and trismus after extraction of a semi-impacted third molar when healing took place by second intention as compared to healing by first intention. Conclusions: The postoperative course proved worse when healing by first intention planned than on suturing by simple approximation of the wound margins.