Effect of piezoelectric instruments on healing propensity of alveolar sockets following mandibular third molar extraction

Background/purposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether the use of piezoelectric instruments affected the healing propensity of alveolar sockets after mandibular third molar extraction, compared with conventional rotary instruments.Materials and methodsThirty patients with impacted bilateral symmetrical mandibular third molars participated in this investigation. We conducted a randomized, crossover study using conventional rotary instruments for extraction on one side and piezoelectric instruments on the other. We evaluated the healing of periodontium at the distal side of the mandibular second molar by probing depth and attachment level. All data including pocket depth and bone healing at the distal side of the mandibular second molar were evaluated with paired t tests for comparison.ResultsAlthough the average pocket depth after extraction with piezoelectric instruments was slightly less than with conventional instruments, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. At one month after extraction, the attachment level at the distal side of the mandibular second molar was better where extraction was done with piezoelectric instruments than conventional instruments (P < 0.05), though no significant difference between the two extraction methods was observed at two months postoperation.ConclusionPeizoelectric instruments have potential to promote initial bone healing after molar extraction.