# Evaluation of postoperative trismus in buccal versus lingual approach for impacted mandibular third molar removal

## TL;DR

This study compares the risk of postoperative trismus between two surgical approaches for removing impacted molars.

## Contribution

It identifies the lingual approach as having a higher risk of severe trismus compared to the buccal approach.

## Key findings

- The lingual approach is associated with a higher incidence of severe trismus.
- Trismus severity was measured using inter incisal distance and Visual Analog Scale.
- Surgery duration and facial swelling were also assessed as clinical parameters.

## Abstract

Evaluation of trismus incidence and severity between buccal and lingual approaches in impacted mandibular third molar extractions is
of interest. Hence, a prospective observational study was conducted with 100 patients divided into two groups: Group A (buccal approach)
and Group B (lingual approach). Clinical parameters including inter incisal distance (IID), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, facial
swelling and surgery duration were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively on Days 1, 3 and 7. The lingual approach to mandibular
third molar extraction is connected with a greater chances of severe postoperative trismus compared to the buccal approach.