Odontología · 2026

Diseño y desarrollo de un equipo de crioterapia intraoral para uso posquirúrgico

Resumen

Postoperative pain and edema management remains one of the main challenges in contemporary dental practice. Cryotherapy, as a non-pharmacological intervention based on the controlled application of localized cold, has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing inflammation, decreasing capillary permeability, and modulating pain conduction through neurovascular mechanisms. However, currently available devices have been designed for extraoral use, limiting direct thermal transfer to the intervened oral tissues and creating a significant technological gap in the fields of clinical dentistry and biomedical engineering. Objective. To design, construct, and experimentally evaluate an intraoral cryotherapy device based on cold-fluid microcirculation for postoperative dental use, comparing its thermal efficacy with conventional extraoral cryotherapy through topical ice application. Methodology. A technological development study was conducted. A proof-of-concept device was designed and built, consisting of three components: a cooling system (12 V portable cooler), a macrocirculation system (10 mL/min peristaltic pump and 2 mm tubing), and a 3D-printed intraoral microradiator made of polycarbonate with 1 mm multipass tubing, referred to as the intraoral cryotherapy device (ICD). Temperature was evaluated in different parts of the ICD through in vitro testing. Additionally, gingival temperature was assessed in 10 volunteers at different time intervals by placing the ICD on one side of the mouth and the conventional extraoral system (topical ice application) on the contralateral side. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and Student’s t-test for independent samples (SPSS, p < 0.05). Results. The ICD achieved a thermal reduction of 15.14 °C within the first 30 seconds (p < 0.001), compared to 0.61 °C with the extraoral modality (p = 0.117). The final mean temperature was 14.13 °C for the intraoral modality and 21.92 °C for the extraoral modality, showing a statistically significant difference (t = 25.908; p < 0.001). ANOVA analysis confirmed significant differences (p < 0.05) between both modalities from the first 30 seconds onward. Conclusions. The developed ICD demonstrated greater efficacy, speed, and stability in tissue thermal reduction compared with conventional extraoral cryotherapy. Its biocompatible, anatomical, and disinfectable design positions it as a viable alternative for postoperative dental protocols. This proof of concept may serve as the basis for the development of a commercial prototype. Controlled clinical studies are required to validate its therapeutic use.

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