http://www.scielo.br/pdf/bdj/v18n2/v18n2a14.pdf

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of electro-acupuncture (EAC) on postoperative pain control after mandibular thirdmolar surgery. Twenty four young patients (12 male and 12 female) with symmetrically impacted mandibular third molars wereselected. Each patient was submitted to two separate surgical procedures under local anesthesia. At one side, extraction was carried outemploying both prior (24h) and immediately postoperative application of EAC, while on the contralateral side surgery was carried outwithout any treatment. EAC was applied on 6 bilateral systemic and 2 auricular points with a WQ10Dl appliance using 40-60Hzfrequency for 20 min and individually adjusted intensity. Postoperative pain intensity was rated on a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS)between 2 and 72 h and recording the amount of analgesics intake after surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxontest. Postoperative pain VAS scores were significantly lower for the EAC group (p<0.05) and analgesic intake decreased (p<0.05) forall evaluated periods (p<0.05). Under the tested conditions EAC therapy is efficient was proved controlling postoperative painfollowing mandibular third molar surgical removal.(AU)