Effects of pre-operative exercise therapy and isometric stretches for mouth opening in a patient undergoing third molar tooth extraction: a case study

Abstract

Teeth extractions, particularly third molar extractions, are known to be painful procedures. Following such extractions, patients often experience pain and trismus, or limited jaw movement, which can significantly affect daily activities like chewing, speaking, and drinking. In response to these issues, a pre-extraction intervention was developed to reduce pain and prevent trismus. This intervention involved incorporating isometric stretches and jaw exercises into the patient's preoperative routine. The main objective of this case study was to reduce pain, improve Maximum Mouth Opening (MMO), and prevent trismus after the procedure. The study involved a 45-year-old male undergoing the extraction of a left upper third molar due to dental caries. Tools used in this study included a Vernier Caliper, Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The preoperative intervention significantly reduced pain and prevented trismus. This case supports the efficacy of pre-extraction stretches in improving outcomes and reducing post-extraction complications.