This study was designed to investigate the effect of compression with ice and compression alone on pain and quality of life after surgical removal of mandibular third molars. A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study design was chosen. Participants in group A applied 45 min of repeated compression with ice; those in group B applied 45 min of repeated compression without ice (control); and those in group C did not apply any compression. Pain intensity was measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS) three times a day for seven days. At day seven, overall pain reduction was scored on a global perceived effect (GPE) scale and a quality-of-life questionnaire was completed. Ninety-five patients completed the trial. The VAS scores demonstrated a significant pain decrease in groups A and B three days postoperatively. No significant differences were observed between groups A and B. Based on the GPE ratings, in groups A and B more patients indicated that pain was reduced successfully, but this was not statistically significant. Quality of life was significantly better for patients in groups A and B. These results demonstrate that compression after surgical removal of mandibular third molars is a valuable method for preventing pain.