Effect of Dexamethasone injection after mandibular impacted third molars extraction

Administration of Dexamethasone injection on the buccal side of the adjacent second molar reduces swelling and improves limited mouth opening after mandibular impacted third molars (MITMs) extraction.

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Dexamethasone injections at different sites on postoperative outcomes following extraction of MITMs.

A prospective randomized controlled trial enrolled healthy adults with MITMs slated for extraction. Exclusion criteria included systemic conditions preventing surgery, pregnancy, breastfeeding, premenstrual period, hypersensitivity to the test drug, and non-attendance at follow-up on days 1, 3, and 7 postoperatively. All participants were randomized to three groups based on the site of injection.

The study included 58 participants distributed among three groups:

• Group 1 (n=24) received a 4 mg Dexamethasone injection on the buccal side of the adjacent second molar
• Group 2 (n=20) received the injection on the buccal side of the extraction socket
• Control group (n=14) received a saline injection (0.8 ml) on the buccal side of the adjacent second molar

Outcome measures included postoperative facial swelling, mouth opening limitation, pain assessed via visual analogue scale at days 1, 3, and 7 postoperatively, and quality of life evaluated using the Posse scale at day 7. Key findings from each group are summarized below:

Dexamethasone injection on the buccal side of the adjacent second molar is a promising treatment after mandibular molar extraction surgery.