Effect of Dexamethasone Versus Triamcinolone Acetonide On Postoperative Complications After Impacted Third Molar Surgery

In the area of maxillofacial surgery, taking out of impacted teeth, particularly third molars represents a common practice. Corticosteroids play a substantial role in reducing edema and have been found to have anti-inflammatory belongings. Objective: To compare the outcome of Dexamethasone vs. Triamcinolone Acetonide after impacted third molar surgery. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was organized the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro/Hyderabad. A total of 288 patients with Mesioangular impaction of mandibular 3rd molar tooth were placed into two groups at random. Group-A (Dexamethasone Injection) 4mg was injected instantly into the submucosal at about 1cm above the surgical area and in Group-B (Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection) 4mg was also injected immediately at the same place. Measurements were made on the mouth opening, severity of pain, and swelling. Results: The mean pain score was significantly lower in group B than in group A on the 7th postoperative day (p = 0.0005). Mean facial swelling size was not statistically significant between groups at 2nd day but it was significantly low in group B as compared to group A at 5th and 7th postsurgical days. Mean mouth opening was also significantly higher in group B than in group A at the 5th and 7th postoperative days (p = 0.0005). Conclusions: Submucosal applying corticosteroid medication may be a very painless, effective, cheap, less hazardous, simpler technique for both the patient and the doctor, and its systemic effect is limited.