The effect of Kinesio taping on postoperative complications following mandibular third molar surgery/extraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The surgical removal of mandibular third molars is frequently followed by pain, swelling, and trismus. Conventional management relies on analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids, but interest in non-pharmacological adjuncts persists. Kinesio taping (KT) has been explored in randomized trials as a potential aid in reducing postoperative morbidity. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of KT after mandibular third molar surgery. METHODS: Five databases were searched until September 2025. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing KT with standard care, no taping, or sham taping after mandibular third molar extraction, reporting pain, swelling, or maximum interincisal opening (MIO). Data were extracted independently and pooled as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals using random-effects meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. RESULTS: In total, 16 RCTs, involving 721 participants, were included. KT significantly reduced pain on day 1 (MD = -1.25, p < 0.001), day 3 (MD = -0.88, p = 0.04), and day 7 (MD = -1.08, p = 0.01), though not on day 2. Swelling reduction was significant on day 2 (MD = -2.45 cm, p < 0.001) but not on day 7. The MIO was greater in the KT group on days 2 (MD = 4.8 mm, p < 0.001), 3 (MD = 3.72 mm, p = 0.02), and 7 (MD = 2.41 mm, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: KT appears to provide short-term benefits in pain control, swelling reduction, and mouth opening after third molar surgery. While promising, effect sizes vary, and heterogeneity underscores the need for larger, standardized RCTs to define optimal techniques and confirm clinical value. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251144699, PROSPERO CRD420251144699.