Effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on swelling and pain after implant surgery: a double-blind, randomized study

Abstract

The aim of this split-mouth, double-blind, randomized study was to determine whether pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) can improve swelling and the management of pain after full-arch immediate loading implant surgery. Eleven patients were selected for the study. Each patient received four distal tilted implants in the upper or lower jaw and underwent full-arch immediate loading rehabilitation. After surgery, two PEMF devices were applied to each patient, one on each cheek. In a random manner, one of these PEMF devices was switched on (test side); the other served as a placebo (control side). Forty-eight hours after surgery clinicians estimated postoperative swelling through photographic documentation, comparing the condition before and after surgery, while pain was assessed using a verbal rating scale. The patient's degree of comfort in relation to the PEMF devices was analyzed by questionnaire using a numerical rating scale. No statistically significant difference was observed between the test and control sides for swelling or pain (P>0.05). Most of the patients did not present swelling or pain at 48h after surgery, regardless of whether the PEMF device was activated or not. Various outcomes were found in the comfort evaluation. Within the limitations of this study, PEMF does not reduce postoperative swelling or pain after implant surgery.

Keywords: PEMF; immediate loading; implant surgery; pain; postoperative swelling; pulsed electromagnetic field.