Effect of Dexamethasone and Methylprednisolone on Pain, Swelling and Trismus After Third Molar Surgery

Preemptive Effect of Dexamethasone and Methylprednisolone on Pain, Swelling and Trismus After Third Molar Surgery: a Split-mouth Randomized Triple-blind Clinical Trial

The main aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of preemptive dexamethasone and methylprednisolone to prevent pain, swelling and limitation in mouth opening following third molar extraction.

Third molar surgery is often associated with significant post-surgical sequelae. The trauma caused to soft and bony tissue can result in considerable pain, swelling and trismus. Symptoms begin gradually having a peak 2 days after extraction. The use of corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and methylprednisolone can be a valuable tool when performing moderate to moderately severe oral surgical procedures. No clear consensus have emerged yet regarding patient selection, dosage, timing and type of administration of steroid. In this light, this clinical trial aim to compare the effect of preemptive dexamethasone and methylprednisolone to prevent pain, swelling and limitation in mouth opening following third molar extraction.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with indication of asymptomatic bilateral extractions of lower third molars
• Aged 18 years or older;
• Have a good health and no disease;

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with history of any medication treatment within 15 days before the beginning of the research, history of allergy to the drugs, substances or materials used in this study, pregnancy or lactation