Baltic Dental and Maxillofacial Journal
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March, 2010, Vol. 12, No. 1

CONTENTS

© 2010 Stomatologija

Stomatologija 2010; 12 (1): 17-22 749 KB

The effect of prednisolone on reduction of complaints after impacted third molar removal

Janne Tiigimae-Saar, Edvitar Leibur, Tiia Tamme

Summary

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids are able to effectively reduce postoperative sequels after impacted third molar removal. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a single dose of prednisolone, taken orally immediately after the operation, would increase the effects of etorikoxib (Arcoxia®) NSAID in preventing trismus and swelling after surgical removal of impacted third molars.

Patients and methods. This prospective study was conducted in a half-year period on 78 patients who had undergone third molar surgery under local anaesthesia. They were divided into two groups: prednisolone group (38 patients) and control (40 patients). In the prednisolone group 30 mg prednisolone was given to each patient immediately after surgery. Both groups had received Etorikoxib 120 mg 30 minutes before operation. They had to complete a questionnaire evaluating postoperative symptoms. Postoperative pain, facial swelling and trismus were evaluated.

Results. Postoperative administration of 30 mg prednisolone to the patients relieved trismus, swelling and pain more than non-administration of prednisolone in the control group. There was significantly less swelling on the first four postoperative days in the prednisolone group compared to control (p<0.05). The values of the maximal interincisal opening (MIO) and visual analogue scale (VAS) were higher for the prednisolone group than for the control group (p<0.05). No clinically apparent infection, disturbance of wound healing, or other corticosteroid-related complications were noted.

Conclusion. It was found that a combination of a single dose of prednisolone and Etorikoxib is well-suited for treatment of postoperative pain, trismus, and swelling after third molar surgery and should be used to diminish postoperative swelling of soft tissues.

Key words: third molar; corticosteroids, postoperative sequels.

Received: 22 12 2009

Accepted for publishing: 26 03 2010


1Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Tartu University Hospital, Estonia

2Department of Stomatology, University of Tartu, Estonia

Janne Tiigimae-Saar1 – D.D.S.

Edvitar Leibur2 – MD, PhD, Dr Med Sc, prof. emer.

Tiia Tamme1,2 – MD, Dr Med

Address correspondence to Janne Tiigimae-Saar, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Tartu, Puusepa 8, Tartu 51014, Estonia.

E-mail address: janne.tiigimae@kliinikum.ee