Investigation of the effect of kinesio tape application on blood flow and edema following surgical extraction of em bedded mandibular 3. molar teeth

Surgery of impacted third molar tooth is the most commonly performed procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Therefore, it is important to keep postoperative morbidity minimum. Our study aimed to examine the effects of kinesio tape on postoperative blood supply, edema, mouth opening and pain impacted third molar tooth extraction. 87 impacted mandibular third molars with mesioangular position according to Winter classification, Class 2 and Position B spatial location according to Pell and Gregory classification were included in the study. Patents were divided into two groups: kinesio tape applied and control groups. Blood flow measurements were taken using a laser doppler flowmeter device. In addition, edema, pain and mouth opening values were also recorded. Measurements were made before the operation, immediately after the operation, and on the 2nd, 4th, and 7th days after the operation. Blood flow values were found to be significantly higher in the kinesio taping group. Blood flow values reached the maximum level on the 2nd day and although decreased on the 7th day in the kinesio taping group, they remained above the pre-operative values. When edema, pain and limitation in mouth opening were evaluated, a significant difference was found between the two groups. Considering these findings, it has been concluded that kinesio tape application can be applied as a supportive treatment method in the management of morbidities that occur after impacted third molar tooth extraction. However, many studies with longer follow-up are needed to fully determine the effect of kinesio tape on post-surgical morbidities.