Study on Efficacy of Dexamethasone and Methylprednisolone in Postoperative Swelling and Trismus Following Mandibular 3rd Molar Surgery

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical removal of 3rd molars causes significant swelling and trismus which are unpleasant and uncomfortable for the patient even when teeth are removed by gentle surgical technique. Our surgical procedures can lead to serious inflammatory reactions in the facial soft tissues and should be minimized as much as possible. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a single intramuscular (I/M) dose of two different corticosteroids on postoperative facial soft tissue swelling and trismus.

Methodology: This interventional study was conducted in oral and maxillofacial surgery department of BSMMU. 60 patients (33 male and 27 female)were included in this study and were randomly divided into two groups. In Group-I, 30 patients were included and 4mg of Dexamethasone was injected into the Deltoid region 30 minutes prior to extraction of mandibular 3^rd molars. In Group-II,another 30 patients were included and 40mg of Methylprednisolone was injected into theDeltoid region 30 minutes prior to extraction of mandibular 3^rd molars.Facial swelling was evaluated preoperatively, on 2^nd POD and 7^th POD by using measuring tape. Trismus was determined by measuring the maximum inter-incisal distance pre-operatively, on 2^nd POD and 7^th POD by vernier caliper.

Result:Result showed that swelling and trismus was significantly reduced in both groups, p>0.05(not significant).

Conclusion:The result concluded that the preoperative single dose of I/M administration of Dexamethasone or Methylprednisolone significantly reduces postoperative swelling and trismus after surgical removal of mandibular 3^rd molars.

J Shaheed Suhrawardy Med Coll, December 2017, Vol.9(2); 60-64