Variables and data collection methods
edema, trismus, pain
EDEMA, TRISMUS
This research classified variables into the three divisions presented below: Independent or predictive variables (age, sex, position of teeth), dependent variables or outcome (edema, trismus, pain), and covariates or other variables collected in the study (duration of surgery). A single researcher, previously trained in the measurements, collected data and who did not know which group was under consideration (the test group - “A1” or the placebo group - “B1”).Pain intensity was measured in two ways, the first through the amount of rescue medication used by the patient, and the second through the visual analog scales (VAS) from 0 - 10 (0 as pain free, 10 as worst pain, filled in on the first return visit within 48 hours, and on the second return after 7 days.The intensity of the edema was measured using anatomical points for the smallest mandibular angle (marking of soft tissue with a permanent marker pen with a thick black tip), and (with a measuring tape) the following anatomical structures: tragus, corner of the eye, nose wing, labial commissure, and chin. Since edema can modify anatomical points, the major limitation of this study maintaining the reference points. The measurement sets were performed in the preoperative period as a comparison mechanism (using the various measurements), and 3 more measurement sets were taken in the immediate postoperative period, in the 48-hour postoperative period, and in the seven-day postoperative period.Maximum mouth opening was measured using a dry point caliper that started from the incisal edge of the maxillary central incisor to the incisal edge of the mandibular central incisor. This measurement followed the same principle used for edema, with the preoperative mouth opening being measured as a mechanism of comparison to measurements taken in the immediate postoperative period, the 48-hour postoperative period, and in the seven-day postoperative period.