Comparison Between Efficacy of Turbine Handpiece Vs Conventional Motor Handpiece in Surgical Removal of Impacted Third Molar: A Review

Lower third molar extraction is one of the most common surgical procedure performed in oral surgery but despite the surgical skills and expertise, complications are likely. These can be pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, fracture of adjacent tooth and nerve damage et cetra. One of the most essential armamentarium necessary for removal of impacted third molar is a handpiece with a bur used for removal of bone surrounding the tooth or odontectomy. This is usually done using a straight motor driven handpiece rotating at an approximate speed of 30,000 RPM. However, because of the low speed and torque the time taken in extraction can increase significantly making the procedure hectic and fatiguing for the patient a well as the surgeon. Air turbine handpiece is a precision device which can be used for removal of tooth tissue with reasonably less pressure, heat or vibration thus making the cutting facile, less demanding and less time consuming. However, the fear of Subcutaneous emphysema associated with it's use due to expulsion if air from the air turbine limit it's use. Although rare, iatrogenic subcutaneous emphysema can have grave and potentially life-threatening consequences.&nbsp