THE ROLE OF SUBMUCOSAL DEXAMETHASONE INJECTION IN REDUCING COMPLICATIONS AFTER LOWER THIRD MOLAR SURGERY

Abstract

Aim of the study Prophylaxis of inflammatory complications resulting after lower third molar surgery remains a common topic. The data found in the literature come with solutions for submucosal injection of a dose of dexamethasone. The aim of this paper is to determine the dose of dexamethasone which has an antiplatelet effect and which would suppress exudative edema and to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique. Material and methods We performed a clinical trial in which we analysed the effect of a 4 mg dose of dexamethasone injected submucosal into a group of patients who underwent surgery to remove a lower third molar. We compared the results with a control group in which only the surgical removal of the third lower molar was performed. Results Statistical analysis of the results showed a low severity in postoperative complications for patients who were injected submucosal with dexamethasone. They showed better amplitude of mouth opening and reduced pain. Conclusions Submucosal injection of a 4 mg dose of dexamethasone provides increased postoperative comfort for a patient who has undergone surgery to remove a lower third molar.

Keywords

• third molar surgery
• dexamethasone
• inflammatory complications