Evaluation of effects of two dexamethasone formulations in impacted third molar surgeries

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Submucosal dexamethasone injection directly in the surgical area has been used in different dental procedures, but there are still few studies evaluating its efficacy as compared to oral route for impacted third molar surgeries. So, this study aimed to evaluate postoperative pain, edema and trismus after impacted third molar surgeries using oral or submucosal local injection of dexamethasone.METHODS:This was a prospective, controlled, crossover and randomized study involving 36 patients with indication of lower third molar surgeries, who were randomly distributed in two groups: group A - submucosal local injection of dexamethasone (4mg/1mL) after local anesthesia, and group B - oral dexamethasone tablet (4mg) one hour before procedure. Edema and trismus were clinically evaluated in the postoperative period and in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 7th postoperative days. Patients were oriented to record pain intensity in the visual analog scale in periods zero (preoperative), 1h, 2h, 4h, 12h, 1 day, 2 days and 3 days and one week after surgery. Data were submitted to statistical analysis with significance level of 5%.RESULTS:There were no significant differences in surgical time with regard to operated sides (p=0.4). Edema and trismus values were not statistically different between observed groups (p>0.05). Mean pain values recorded in the visual analog scale were not statistically different between groups and patients have not reported major postoperative discomfort and had no need to prolong analgesic medication (p>0.05).CONCLUSION:Both dexamethasone administration routes were effective to control pain, edema and trismus after lower third molar surgeries, presenting similar results.