Comparative assessment of dexamethasone administration routes for the management of postoperative symptoms following third molar surgery

OBJECTIVE: The surgical removal of third molars (3 Ms) is often associated with postoperative symptoms such as trismus, edema, and pain. The purpose of this study was to perform a comparative assessment of the effect of dexamethasone by different administration routes. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized, prospective study was carried out including patients undergoing the surgical removal of bilateral impacted mandibular 3 Ms. Patients were grouped according to dexamethasone administration routes Group A (intravenous); Group B (intralesional); Group C (oral administration). After surgery, pain, edema, and trismus were recorded. Postoperative symptoms severity (PoSSE) questionnaires were administered too. RESULTS: 108 patients were allocated to group A, 101 to group B, and 106 to group C. Statistically significant differences (P < .05) with better results were observed as for edema, pain and the results of PoSSe questionnaires by groups A and B. CONCLUSION: A single intralesional administration of dexamethasone seems to be effective in decreasing postoperative pain, edema, and symptoms after third molar surgery.