Evaluation of post-operative sequel on administration of dexamethasone, via different routes, in third molar surgery

A study was undertaken to compare the effects of different routes of administration of dexamethasone, namely intra-space injection of Twin mix, intraoral-submucosal, intramuscular, intravenous and per-oral administration, on post-operative sequel after mandibular impacted third molar surgery. The study was carried out on 60 patients presenting with class II position B impaction of mandibular third molars. Ten patients were randomly allocated to each of the six study groups. A ten-point visual analogue scale was utilized to assess the pain intensity, and specific facial measurements were measure to assess the postoperative facial edema. Maximal mouth opening was measured inter-incisally, pre and post-operatively, to evaluate trismus. All dexamethasone groups demonstrated better outcomes than the control group. The intraoral submucosal group showed least edema, & least reduction in mouth opening, and also, most favorable result, for pain control on 1st & 3rd post operative day. Pre operative use of submucosal dexamethasone proved most potent in reducing the post operative swelling and trismus demonstrating statistically significant results. From our study, we can conclude that single pre operative dose of submucosal dexamethasone effectively improves the post operative outcomes in the surgical management of impacted mandibular third molars.