Comparison of the effect of local and intramuscular injection of dexamethasone on the amount of mouth opening, pain and swelling following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this clinical trial is to compare the effect of local and intramuscular injection of dexamethasone on the amount of mouth opening, pain and swelling following surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Methods: In this study, 18 patients who referred to dental clinics (facial and maxillofacial surgery department) who have similar bilateral dentures have been selected. After obtaining written consent about their willingness to participate in the study, local and intramuscular injection of dexamethasone was performed and mandibular third molar surgery was performed. During and after surgery, amount of mouth opening, pain and swelling were evaluated after 1, 3 and 7 days period of follow up and the results of the study were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods (mean ± standard deviation and relative frequency) (Percent), and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS17 software and a significant level of P≤0.05 was considered. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean pain severity and the rate of mouth opening in the muscle intramuscular injection group compared to the local injection group, but there was no significant difference between the mean tragus–commisure and lateral cantusn–gonial angle in the two groups under study. Conclusion: Dexamethasone intramuscular injection with more pain intensity and less mouth opening than local inhection was associated with removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Local injection of dexamethasone is recommended to cause fewer complications in surgery of impacted mandibular third molars.