Comparative analysis of effect of submucosal dexamethasone and methylprednisolone injection on post-operative sequelae after third molar surgery in a randomized double blind manner

Abstract

Background: Postoperative oedema is a consequence of tissue injury during surgery and the raising of muscular attachments, and appears as a result of direct trauma to blood and lymph vessels. Postoperative pain is a common phenomenon after surgery, due to surgical trauma and the release of pain mediators. After surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars, the pain is most intense 3-5 hours following extraction, just after the cessation of local anesthesia. Several methods of controlling the immediate inflammatory response associated with the third molar surgery abound in the literature. Aim of the study: To compare the effect of submucosal dexamethasone and methylprednisolone injection on post-operative sequelae after third molar surgery in a randomized double blind manner. Materials and methods: 45 Subjects for the present study were selected and divided into 3 groups of 15 patients each (group I- submucosal dexamethasone, group II sub-mucosal methylprednisolone, group III – submucosal placebo, normal saline) from amongst the patients who reported to OPD, at random basis irrespective of side, age, caste, creed, gender and socioeconomic status. Study was carried out in those patients who required surgical removal of impacted mandibular 3rd molars.