Comparative Evaluation of Two Different Flap Designs and Postoperative Outcome in the Surgical Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molar

The aim of this study is to compare triangular and envelope flap designs and the postoperative outcome in the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar. A total of 50 participants were assessed clinically and were divided randomly into two groups. Group I (participants operated by triangular flap) and group II (participants operated by envelope flap), with 25 participants each between the age group of 20 and 30 years. Patient satisfaction was assessed subjectively using a graded scale from very satisfied to very unsatisfied. The degree of pain was recorded for 7 days with reference to predefined values on visual analog scale (VAS). Trismus was evaluated on the day 3, day 5, and day 7 of the postoperative period in millimeters. Quantitative data were analyzed by unpaired t-test and qualitative data were by Fischer's exact test. The mean overall age is 25.5 years. There was no statistically significant difference between the study groups with respect to age. There was no significant association between the patient satisfaction and flap type (p = 0.684). A significant difference between the study groups on 4th, 5th, and 6th days with respect to pain was observed, wherein fewer subjects operated with triangular flap reported pain. A highly significant difference in mouth opening was observed, with triangular flap group participants having a higher mouth opening than envelope flap subjects on day 7. The present study indicated that participants operated by triangular flap had a better mouth opening postoperatively compared with envelope flap participants, whereas there were no significant differences in patient satisfaction and pain scores at the end of the 7th day after third molar surgery. Flap design is a significant factor in the surgical removal of impacted third molar, and it influences the severity of complications. Furthermore, it is important for allowing optimal visibility and access to the impacted tooth and also for subsequent healing of the surgically created defect.