Postoperative evaluation, after surgical removal of mandibular third molar, with and without local administration of injection dexamethasone 8 mg: A comparative study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the relative ability of 8 mg dose of intraoperative dexamethasone, to reduce the postoperative discomfort after third molar surgery. Materials and Methods: A total of sixty patients required surgical removal of a single mandibular third molar. Two operators concluded the study on sixty patients with an impacted third molar, with each operator having thirty patients, of which 15 were administered injection dexamethasone 8 mg at the site of surgery 30 min prior to the surgical removal of the impacted tooth. The maximum interincisal distance and facial contours were measured at baseline and at postsurgery days 1 and 7 to check edema. Results: None of the patients developed wound infection or any serious postoperative complications. It was observed that the patients with intravenous steroids had very minimal postoperative swelling (within Grade 1) compared to the Sample B (Grades 2 and 3), but the bleeding and postoperative pain after 24 h were slightly more compared to the Sample B, wound healing was much delayed and suture removal on the 12th day. Conclusion: Dexamethasone (8 mg) is effective in reducing postoperative discomfort after third molar surgeries.