Effect of two routes of administration of dexamethasone on pain, edema, and trismus in impacted lower third molar surgery

Purpose The aim of the present study was to compare pain, edema, and trismus in the postoperative period following third molar surgery using 8 mg of dexamethasone administered either orally or through local injection. Methods A prospective, controlled, randomized trial was carried out involving 60 lower third molar surgeries in 67 patients between October 2008 and June 2009. The sample was randomly divided into three groups: group A (local injection), group B (tablets), and group C (control). In all cases, either ostectomy or crown sectioning was employed. On the second and seventh day following surgery, linear edema was determined using facial landmarks, and maximal mouth opening measurements were performed. Postoperative pain was recorded using a visual analog scale. Results Patient age ranged from 14 to 37 years (mean, 21.0 years). With regard to pain, edema, and trismus, the two administration routes tested (local injection and tablets) demonstrated similar efficacy, and both methods achieved better results in comparison to the control group. Conclusion Both the oral administration and local injection of dexamethasone proved effective in reducing pain, edema, and trismus compared to control group following lower third molar surgeries, achieving similar results.