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NCT Number: NCT07297043

Efficacy of Er:YAG Laser in Removing Impacted Mandibular Third Molars

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of the Er:YAG laser in the removal of impacted mandibular third molars compared to the conventional surgical technique. The study assesses surgical efficiency, postoperative pain, swelling, trismus, and overall patient recovery. The goal is to determine whether the Er:YAG laser provides a safer and less traumatic alternative to traditional bone-cutting methods during third molar surgery.

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Key information

Conditions

Impacted Mandibular Third Molar

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Faculty of Dentistry, Alexandria University

Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt

About this study

Impacted mandibular third molars are among the most commonly extracted teeth, and conventional surgical removal often involves bone cutting using rotary instruments, which may increase postoperative morbidity. Laser-assisted surgery, particularly using the Er:YAG laser, has been proposed as a minimally invasive alternative with potential benefits such as reduced thermal damage, improved healing, and less postoperative discomfort.

This study compares Er:YAG laser-assisted bone removal with the conventional bur technique in terms of operative time, intraoperative ease, and postoperative outcomes including pain, edema, and trismus. Patients meeting the eligibility criteria are randomly allocated into two groups: a laser-assisted surgery group and a conventional surgery group. Standardized measurements and follow-up assessments are conducted to evaluate clinical outcomes and determine the effectiveness and safety of the Er:YAG laser in third molar surgery.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • • Adults aged 20-30 years requiring surgical extraction of a mesioangular impacted mandibular third molar.
  • Healthy individuals with no systemic diseases that may influence bone metabolism or wound healing.
  • Good oral hygiene and absence of local infection at the surgical site.
  • No contraindications to local anesthesia, surgical extraction, or use of the Er:YAG laser.
  • Radiographic evidence confirming normal bone structure without cysts or pathological lesions.
  • Willingness to participate and ability to provide informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • • Systemic medical conditions affecting bone healing or postoperative response (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, immunodeficiency, metabolic bone disorders).
  • Current or recent use of medications influencing bone remodeling (e.g., bisphosphonates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants).
  • Heavy smoking (>10 cigarettes/day).
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding females.
  • Poor oral hygiene, active infection, or pericoronitis at the surgical site.
  • Previous surgery, trauma, or pathology in the mandibular third molar region.
  • Known allergies or contraindications to any material or procedure used in the study.

Treatment and study plan

Er:YAG Laser

Device

Er:YAG laser (2940 nm) used for bone cutting during impacted mandibular third molar surgery.

Conventional Rotary Instruments Surgery

Procedure

Conventional rotary instruments used for bone removal during surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.

Primary outcomes

  1. Postoperative Pain Score

    Time frame: Immediate postoperative, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days

    Postoperative pain will be assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain) at postoperative intervals.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Postoperative Swelling

    Time frame: Immediate postoperative, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days

    Facial swelling will be measured using linear facial measurements (tragus-pogonion and gonion-pogonion distances) preoperatively and at postoperative intervals.

  2. Postoperative Trismus

    Time frame: Immediate postoperative, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days

    Maximum interincisal mouth opening will be measured in millimeters preoperatively and at postoperative intervals to assess trismus.

  3. Bone Density

    Time frame: Immediate postoperative, 1 month, and 3 months

    Bone density at the extraction site will be assessed using standardized digital radiographs. Gray-scale values will be measured at predetermined reference points to compare bone healing between groups.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Alexandria University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Efficacy of Er:YAG Laser in Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars (A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial)

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Dec 22, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 29, 2025

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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