Effectiveness of submucosal dexamethasone to control postoperative pain & swelling in apicectomy of maxillary anterior teeth.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of submucosal dexamethasone injection to control postoperative pain and swelling in apicectomy of maxillary anterior teeth.

METHODS:

A randomized, controlled trial comprising 60 adult patients (68.3% male, 31.7% female) with no local or systemic problems was conducted. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A was given 4mg dexamethasone injection perioperatively. Group B (control group) was treated conventionally without any steroid injection. Postoperative pain and swelling was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Objective measurements of facial pain and swelling were performed daily up to six days postoperatively.

RESULTS:

Dexamethasone group showed significant reduction in pain and swelling postoperatively compared with the control.

CONCLUSION:

Submucosal dexamethasone 4mg injection is an effective therapeutic strategy for swift and comfortable improvement after surgical procedure and has a significant effect on reducing postoperative pain and swelling. The treatment offers a simple, safe, painless, noninvasive and cost effective therapeutic option for moderate and severe cases.

• Authors: Shahzad Ali Shah, Irfanullah Khan, Humera Shahzad Shah
• Journal: International journal of health sciences (Int J Health Sci (Qassim)) Vol. 5 Issue 2 Pg. 156-65 (Jul 2011) ISSN: 1658-3639 [Print] Saudi Arabia
• PMID: 23267293 (Publication Type: Journal Article)