International journal of oral and maxillofacial surgery
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Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Mar 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyEffect of the proteolytic enzyme serrapeptase on swelling, pain and trismus after surgical extraction of mandibular third molars.
The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of serrapeptase to reduce postoperative swelling, pain and trismus after third molar surgery. Twenty-four healthy individuals with symmetrically impacted mandibular third molars underwent surgical removal in a prospective, intra-individual, randomized, double-blind, cross-over study. Teeth were removed in 2 sessions by the same surgeon. ⋯ Cheek thickness and maximum interincisal distance were measured using calipers. Pain intensity was assessed clinically using a numeric scale. There was a significant reduction in the extent of cheek swelling and pain intensity in the serrapeptase group at the 2nd, 3rd and 7th postoperative days (P<0.05), but no significant difference in mean maximal interincisal distance was found between the 2 groups (P>0.05).
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Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg · Mar 2008
ReviewAdvanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and facial trauma: can one size fit all? Part 1: dilemmas in the management of the multiply injured patient with coexisting facial injuries.
Maxillofacial trauma is without doubt still a very challenging area, especially in the early stages of care when other injuries may be present. Craniofacial trauma, with or without life and/or sight-threatening complications, may be associated with significant injuries elsewhere. Both general trauma and facial trauma management have evolved considerably over the last 20 years and on occasion clinical priorities may seemingly conflict, suddenly change or be hidden. ⋯ Facial injuries can be broadly placed into one of four groups, which can aid determination of the urgency for treatment. Advanced Trauma Life Support is generally regarded as the gold standard and is founded on a number of well known principles, but strict adherence to protocols may have its drawbacks when facial trauma co-exists. These can arise in the presence of either major or minor facial injuries, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons need to be aware of the potential problems.