Flap versus flapless removal of a partially impacted lower wisdom tooth
Comparison of Postoperative Pain and Swelling in Flap Versus Flapless Technique for Surgical Removal of Partially Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether a flapless technique causes less pain and swelling than the traditional flap method for adults (18–45) having a partially impacted lower wisdom tooth removed.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Watim Medical & Dental College Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad, Islamabad) |
| Trial ID | NCT07247929 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will assign 160 adults with partially impacted mesioangular mandibular third molars to either a flap or a flapless extraction technique. Pain will be recorded on a 10-point visual analogue scale and facial swelling will be measured with standardized anthropometric measurements, with primary comparison on the second postoperative day. All procedures will be performed by a single surgeon to minimize operator variability. The trial excludes patients with systemic conditions, bleeding disorders, acute infections, or severe trismus to reduce confounding factors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–45 with a partially impacted mesioangular mandibular third molar, a second episode of pericoronitis, ipsilateral swelling, and no radiographic periodontal bone loss are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with diabetes, bleeding disorders, immunocompromised status, acute periapical infection or severe trismus, or fully impacted/other angulated molars are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the flapless approach could reduce early postoperative pain and facial swelling, helping patients recover faster after lower wisdom tooth removal.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials and case series have suggested flapless extraction may reduce early pain and swelling in some patients, but results across studies are mixed and not definitive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-45 years * Either gender * Partially impacted mesioangular mandibular third molar confirmed clinically and radiographically * Second episode of pericoronitis * Swelling present on the affected side * No bone recession or periodontal disease on radiograph Exclusion Criteria: * HIV or HBV infection * Diabetes or other metabolic disorders * Bleeding disorders including von Willebrand disease, thalassemia, hemophilia, thrombocytosis, or thrombocytopenia * Periapical infection or acute pericoronitis at time of surgery * Severe trismus * Immunocompromised status
Where this trial is running
Islamabad, Islamabad
- Watim Medical College&Dental Hospital — Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: dr huma bajar huma bajar, bds
- Email: humabajar@yahoo.com
- Phone: 00923243322292
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.