COMPARISON OF INTRAMUSCULAR DEXAMETHSONE AND METHYLPREDNISOLONE IN CONTROL OF POST OPERATIVE SEQUALAE FOLLOWING SURGICAL EXCISION OF IMPACTED MANDIBULAR THIRD MOLARS

Dr. Velmurugan Naganathan*, Dr. K. Bala Vikhram and Dr. Vinod Narayan

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of dexamethasone with methylprednisolone with regards to postsurgical pain and swelling following third molar surgery. Material and Methods: 90 patients were divided into Group 1 (Dexamethasone) and Group 2 (Methylprednisolone). Following surgical removal of impacted third molar, each was administered either 8mg of dexamethasone or 40mg of methylprednisolone intramuscularly. Each patient was followed up and readings taken on the 1st, 3rd and 7th postoperative day. Variables recorded were swelling measured with a silk thread and calipers, and pain assessed via a Visual Analog Scale. Results: Out of the 90 patients, 47 were male and 43 female, with a mean age of 25 years. There was no stastistical significance between the two groups for both variables, except for swelling on the 1st postoperative day. The results indicated that dexamethasone is more effective at reducing postsurgical swelling on the 1st postoperativeday compared to methylprednisolone. (P<0.05). Conclusion: 8mg Dexamethasone is more effective than 40mg methylprednisolone at reducing swelling on the 1st postoperative day when administered intramuscularly. Both are equally effective at reducing postsurgical pain.

Keywords: Methylprednisolone; Dexamethasone; third molar surgery.