Use of Corticosteroids in third molar surgery: Review of literature

Abstract

Surgical removal of impacted tooth is one of the common procedures done by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in their day-to-day practice. Surgical removal of impacted tooth produces swelling, pain, and trismus postoperatively. Corticosteroids (CS) have been used in effectively reducing these postoperative sequelae after surgical removal of impacted third molars. Various doses and types of steroids are used. Here, a systematic search of literature was carried out using various doses, types, and routes of administration of steroids in mandibular third molar impaction as key words. Only most relevant articles were included ( n = 24). Administration of CS improves the postoperative experience of patients and has a significant impact on trismus and inflammation. The dosage of steroids should be more than the physiological amount produced in the body. The duration of action of the steroid administered also affects the results. Long-acting steroids give better results than short-acting one. If short-acting steroids are given, they have to be supplemented for a minimum of 2 days to a maximum of 5 days. Preoperative administration of steroids is found to be more effective than postoperative administration. Submucosal administration of steroids produces similar effects to intravenous and intramuscular routes.