Assessment of Pain, Swelling, Trismus Following Impacted Lower Third Molar Surgery, With Pre-Operative Single Dose Oral Dexamethasone: A Prospective, Randomized Double Blind Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: The removal of the lower impacted third molar teeth is always associated with varying degrees of inflammation that may have a social impact for the patients. To control these symptoms associated, it is necessary to provide an adequate anti-inflammatory therapy. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effect of pre-operative single dose of 8 mg oral Dexamethasone on pain, swelling, trismus following impacted lower third molar surgery. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at MGPGI puducherry. Hundred patients with bilateral mandibular molar impaction were included in the study. Patient was allocated randomly as study and control group. Study group received 8 mg oral Dexamethasone one hour prior the surgical extraction. Patients with contraindication to the use of steroids were excluded from the study. Pain, facial contour and mouth opening were measured preoperatively and at 2nd and 5th days postoperatively.Results: On 2nd post-operative day, no statistically significant differences were noted in pain for both the groups. However, low pain scores were obtained with the use of Dexamethasone compare to placebo group. Dexamethasone group showed shows statistically significant reduction in swelling and trismus compared with the control group at all intervals.Conclusion: Dexamethasone 8 mg given orally one hour preoperatively is effective in minimizing pain, swelling, and trismus after removal of impacted lower third molar teeth.