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NCT Number: NCT07327762

Comparison of Two Different Suture Knot Techniques on Post-Operative Trismus and Swelling After Impacted Third Molar Surgery

To compare the two different suture knot techniques, locked and unlocked, in terms of mean on postoperative trismus and swelling after impacted mandibular third molar surgery.

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Key information

Conditions

Trismus Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Spasm Swelling

Age range

Up to 45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Watim Medical and Dental College

Rawalpindi, Pakistan, 46200

About this study

The rationale behind conducting a comparative analysis of two different suture knot techniques on postoperative trismus and swelling following impacted third molar surgery stems from the imperative need to optimize patient outcomes and improve surgical practices. Impacted third molar surgery, while a routine procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery, often presents challenges in managing postoperative complications, particularly trismus and swelling, which can significantly impact patients' comfort, recovery, and overall satisfaction.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • • Healthy individuals
  • Gender: male and female
  • Age: 18-45 years
  • Mandibular third molar impaction all positions
  • Mandibular third molar impaction all classes

Exclusion criteria

  • • Patients with ASA status III and above
  • Patients requiring multiple extractions in same appointment
  • Patients allergic to Lignocaine
  • Patients in whom adrenaline is contraindicated
  • Medically compromised individual such as those with poorly controlled diabetes, hypertension and pregnancy, etc.

Treatment and study plan

locking and non locking suture techniques

Procedure

The participating patients will be randomly assigned into two groups, i.e. receiving locked (L) or unlocked (UL) sutures, using a lottery method. Equal patients will be assigned in both groups. In group L (Locked suturing), the flap will be repositioned and sutured with the locked technique (straight-reverse-straight) hermetically using 3-0 black silk. In group UL (Unlocked suturing), the flap will be repositioned and sutured with the unlocked technique (three straight knots) loosely using 3-0 black silk.

Demographic details (including name, age, gender, contact) will be obtained and recorded on specific data collection forms.

On the day of surgery before the surgery commences, measurements will be taken for trismus and swelling which will be entered on the data collection form.

Trismus will be evaluated by measuring the distance between the mesio-incisal corners of the upper and lower right central incisors at maximum mouth opening in mm, using Castroviejo instrument.

The facial swel

non locking suture technique

Procedure

The participating patients will be randomly assigned into two groups, i.e. receiving locked (L) or unlocked (UL) sutures, using a lottery method. Equal patients will be assigned in both groups. In group L (Locked suturing), the flap will be repositioned and sutured with the locked technique (straight-reverse-straight) hermetically using 3-0 black silk. In group UL (Unlocked suturing), the flap will be repositioned and sutured with the unlocked technique (three straight knots) loosely using 3-0 black silk. Demographic details (including name, age, gender, contact) will be obtained and recorded on specific data collection forms. On the day of surgery before the surgery commences, measurements will be taken for trismus and swelling which will be entered on the data collection form. Trismus will be evaluated by measuring the distance between the mesio-incisal corners of the upper and lower right central incisors at maximum mouth opening in mm, using Castroviejo instrument.

Primary outcomes

  1. effect of locking and non locking suture technique on trismus

    Time frame: 3 days and 7 days post operatively

    Trismus will be evaluated by measuring the distance between the mesio-incisal corners of the upper and lower right central incisors at maximum mouth opening in mm, using Castroviejo instrument.

  2. Effect of locking and unlocking sutures on facial swelling

    Time frame: Post operative day three and day seven

    The facial swelling in cm will be determined by measuring the distance from the corner of the mouth to the attachment of the earlobe following the bulge of the cheek and the distance from the outer canthus of the eye to the angle of the mandible using a plastic measuring tape.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Watim Medical & Dental College

Other

Registry information

Acronym: Impacted molar

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Jan 8, 2026
Registry last updated
Jan 8, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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