Evaluation of the effect of green tea extract on postoperative pain management following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar

Abstract

Background: Pain following surgical removal of impacted molars has remained a principal concern
among practitioners. Since green tea has anti‑inflammatory and anti‑bacterial properties, the current
study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of green tea extract local application in controlling postoperative
pain following surgical extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar teeth.
Materials and Methods: In a double‑blinded randomized controlled trial study with a split‑mouth
design, 32 patients underwent bilateral removal of impacted third molars in a 2‑month time interval;
afterward, the sterile gauzes impregnated with green tea extract and saline were applied randomly
to the surgical sites. Postoperative pain was evaluated 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery using a
questionnaire based on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the number of analgesics used after
surgery. Data were subjected to exact and Chi‑square tests with the significance level set at 0.05.
Results: There was a decrease in the mean scores of the VAS and the mean number of analgesic
consumptions in the first 2 days after surgery. Chi‑square test results showed a significant reduction
in the VAS scores after applying the green tea extract only 6 and 12 h after surgery (P < 0.05).
Moreover, the number of analgesic consumptions was significantly lower in the green tea group
compared to the control group.
Conclusion: Green tea extract may be an appropriate and safe choice for postoperative pain
control after surgical extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar teeth.
Key Words: Camellia sinensis, green tea extract, Third molar, postoperative pain