Serrapeptase for Wisdom Teeth Removal: Does It Help?

observational-study PMID: 18272344

Quick Summary: Research suggests that taking serrapeptase after wisdom teeth removal may help reduce swelling and pain. This study looked at how it affected people after surgery.

What The Research Found

This study found that people who took serrapeptase after having their wisdom teeth out experienced less cheek swelling and pain compared to those who didn't. However, serrapeptase didn't seem to improve how well people could open their mouths (trismus).

Study Details

Who was studied: 24 healthy adults who needed their wisdom teeth removed.

How long: The study followed people for 7 days after each surgery.

What they took: Participants took either 5mg of serrapeptase or a placebo (a sugar pill) along with paracetamol (a common pain reliever).

What This Means For You

Less Swelling: If you're getting your wisdom teeth out, serrapeptase might help reduce the swelling in your cheek.

Reduced Pain: You might experience less pain after surgery if you take serrapeptase.

Not a Cure-All: Serrapeptase didn't seem to help with how well people could open their mouths.

Talk to Your Doctor: Always discuss any supplements, including serrapeptase, with your doctor before taking them, especially after surgery.

Study Limitations

Small Study: The study only included a small number of people, so more research is needed.

Short-Term Results: The study only looked at the effects for a week. We don't know if the benefits last longer.

Other Medications: Participants also took paracetamol, so it's hard to know how much of the effect was from the serrapeptase alone.

More Research Needed: This study is a starting point, but more research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the best way to use serrapeptase.

Key Findings

The study found that serrapeptase (5mg) significantly reduced postoperative cheek swelling and pain intensity compared to placebo after surgical extraction of mandibular third molars. However, no difference in trismus (maximum interincisal distance) was observed between groups.

Study Design

This was a prospective, intra-individual, randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial involving 24 healthy adults with symmetrically impacted mandibular third molars. Each participant underwent two separate surgeries (one molar per session) spaced apart, with outcomes measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 1–7. The cross-over design allowed participants to serve as their own controls, enhancing internal validity.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received either serrapeptase 5mg or placebo tablets, combined with 1000mg paracetamol, administered at the time of each surgery. The exact dosing frequency (e.g., daily dosage) and duration of supplementation post-surgery were not detailed in the summary.

Results & Efficacy

Swelling: Serrapeptase reduced cheek thickness significantly at days 2, 3, and 7 (P<0.05), though day 1 showed no difference.
Pain: Pain intensity (numeric scale) was significantly lower in the serrapeptase group on days 2, 3, and 7 (P<0.05).
Trismus: No significant difference in mean maximal interincisal distance between serrapeptase and placebo groups (P>0.05).
The study did not report effect sizes or confidence intervals, limiting interpretation of clinical magnitude.

Limitations

Small sample size: Only 24 participants, reducing statistical power and generalizability.
Short follow-up: Outcomes measured only up to 7 days, leaving long-term effects unassessed.
Unclear dosing regimen: Frequency and duration of serrapeptase administration post-surgery were unspecified.
Combined intervention: Paracetamol was used in both groups, potentially confounding the isolated effects of serrapeptase.
No biochemical markers: Inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., CRP, IL-6) were not measured to support clinical observations.
Future studies should explore dose-response relationships and mechanistic pathways.

Clinical Relevance

For individuals undergoing third molar surgery, serrapeptase (5mg) may offer adjunctive benefits in reducing swelling and pain beyond standard analgesia (e.g., paracetamol). However, the lack of trismus improvement suggests it does not enhance jaw mobility. The findings are limited to healthy adults with impacted molars and short-term outcomes. Users should consult healthcare providers before use, as evidence remains preliminary and dose optimization is needed. This study supports serrapeptase’s anti-inflammatory potential but highlights the need for larger, longer trials.