Comparative study of the effect of dexamethasone injection and consumption in lower third molar surgery

• Main Authors: K. Boonsiriseth, B. Klongnoi, N. Sirintawat, C. Saengsirinavin, N. Wongsirichat
• Other Authors: Mahidol University
• Format: Article
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: Dentistry; Medicine
• Online Access: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/14086

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of intramuscular (IM) injection and consumption of 8 mg dexamethasone in patients after lower third molar (LTM) surgery. 20 healthy Thai patients, average age 20 years, with bilateral LTM removal were recruited for this study, a double blinded, paired sample clinical trial. The washout period was 1 month after the first operation. Clinical assessment of facial swelling, pain and maximum mouth opening were measured before and after operation for 7 days. No significant difference was found in facial swelling between IM injection and consumption of 8 mg dexamethasone after LTM surgery (paired t test P > 0.05). The visual analogue scale scores for pain assessment showed no significant difference between IM injection and consumption of dexamethasone (paired t test P > 0.05). The results conclude that IM injection or consumption of dexamethasone after LTM surgery can be used to control facial swelling, pain and trismus. © 2011 International Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.