Comparative assessment of dexamethasone administration routes for the management of postoperative symptoms following third molar surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The surgical removal of third molars (3 Ms) is often associated with postoperative symptoms such as trismus, edema, and pain. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative assessment of the effect of dexamethasone by different administration routes.

STUDY DESIGN

A randomized, prospective study was carried out including patients undergoing the surgical removal of bilateral impacted mandibular 3 Ms. Patients were grouped according to dexamethasone administration routes Group A (intravenous); Group B (intralesional); Group C (oral administration). After surgery, pain, edema, and trismus were recorded. Postoperative symptoms severity (PoSSE) questionnaires were administered too.

RESULTS

108 patients were allocated to group A, 101 to group B, and 106 to group C. Statistically significant differences (P < .05) with better results were observed as for edema, pain and the results of PoSSe questionnaires by groups A and B.

CONCLUSION

A single intralesional administration of dexamethasone seems to be effective in decreasing postoperative pain, edema, and symptoms after third molar surgery.