Effectiveness of Reso-Pac in enhancing wound healing after third molar surgery: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Surgical site infections (SSIs) and postoperative complications such as pain, haemorrhage, and nerve damage are significant concerns in oral surgery due to the high bacterial load in the oral cavity. Traditional intraoral dressings, though commonly used, have limitations in effectively preventing infections and promoting wound healing, especially following the surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. Reso-Pac, a self-dissolving hydrophilic wound protection paste, has emerged as a potential solution, offering benefits such as medication delivery, protective barrier functions, and astringent properties.<h4>Objective</h4>To evaluate the efficacy of Reso-Pac, a self-dissolving hydrophilic wound protection paste, in reducing postoperative pain and promoting wound healing following the surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.<h4>Methods</h4>A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the predefined PICOS criteria were included. Three of these studies were used in the quantitative synthesis. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by multiple reviewers.<h4>Results</h4>The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in pain on the 7th postoperative day with Reso-Pac compared to gauze pack controls, with a pooled effect estimate of -2.79 (95% CI: -4.18 to -1.40). Additionally, Reso-Pac significantly enhanced wound healing, with a pooled estimate of 2.71 (95% CI: 1.52 to 3.89). Bayesian meta-analysis supported these findings, though moderate evidence was indicated due to heterogeneity.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Reso-Pac significantly reduces postoperative pain and promotes efficient wound healing in patients undergoing surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Despite few limitations, like in the number of studies and methodological variations, Reso-Pac shows substantial clinical potential as an effective treatment for improving postoperative recovery in oral surgeries. Further research is recommended to validate these findings across diverse populations.<h4>Protocol registration number</h4>CRD42024541873.