Effectiveness of dexamethasone and low-power laser in minimizing oedema after third molar surgery: a clinical trial.
Postoperative oedema is common following removal of impacted lower third molars. Several types of drug therapy (corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, enzymes) have been tried. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of low-power laser (LPL) and dexamethasone after surgical removal of impacted lower third molars under local anaesthesia (2% lidocaine/epinephrine).


METHODS
There were 120 healthy patients divided into four groups of 30 each. Group 1 received LPL irradiation immediately after operation (energy output 4 J/cm2 with constant power density of 50 mW, wavelength 637 nm); group 2 also received i.m. injection of 4 mg dexamethasone (Dexason) into the internal pterygoid muscle; group 3 received LPL irradiation supplemented by systemic dexamethasone (Dexason), 4 mg i.m. in the deltoid region, followed by 4 mg of dexamethasone intraorally 6h postoperatively; and the fourth (control) group received only the usual postoperative recommendations (cold packs, soft diet, etc.).


RESULTS
LPL irradiation with local use of dexamethasone (group 2) resulted in a statistically significant reduction of postoperative oedema in comparison to the other groups. No adverse effects of the procedure or medication were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
LPL irradiation after lower third molar surgery can be recommended to minimize swelling. The effect is enhanced by simultaneous local intramuscular use of dexamethasone.
Markovic
A
A
Clinic of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Dr Subotica 4, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia. valentinam@sbb.co.yu
Todorovic
Lj
Lj
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008334:Mandible; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000601:surgery
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003907:Dexamethasone