J Dent Anesth Pain Med.  2020 Oct;20(5):281-291. 10.17245/jdapm.2020.20.5.281.

Do corticosteroids reduce postoperative pain following third molar intervention?

• Sugragan C
• Sirintawat N
• Kiattavornchareon S
• Khoo LK
• KC K
• Wongsirichat N

• KMID: 2508340
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2020.20.5.281

Abstract

Background
Corticosteroids have been widely used by oral surgeons for reducing swelling caused by wisdom teeth surgery. However, they have not been proven to decrease pain. This study was aimed at analyzing previous studies pertaining to corticosteroids and pain reduction following wisdom teeth surgery.
Methods
The Science Direct, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases were searched for relevant journals according to a systematic search strategy (Patient Intervention Comparison Outcome Study). Randomized controlled trials published in English from 1998 to 2017 were extracted.
Results
Twenty-seven articles were included, with a total of 36 comparative cases. Methylprednisolone and dexamethasone were the most commonly used corticosteroids. Intramuscular injections of corticosteroids were optimal for pain reduction, regardless of the time of administration.
Conclusions
Corticosteroids can be used as an adjuvant for pain reduction following wisdom teeth surgery. Methylprednisolone and dexamethasone delivered via the intramuscular route is the best method for effective pain reduction. The ideal time for administration of corticosteroids is the preoperative period.

Keyword

Corticosteroid; Dexamethasone; Mandible; Postoperative Pain; Surgical Removal; Third Molar