The effect of prednisolone on reduction of complaints after impacted third molar removal.
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(R)) NSAID in preventing trismus and swelling after surgical removal of impacted third molars.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Tiigimae-Saar
Janne
J
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Tartu University Hospital, Estonia. janne.tiigimae@kliinikum.ee
Leibur
Edvitar
E
Tamme
Tiia
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004487:Edema / Q000517:prevention & control; D000077613:Etoricoxib; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011292:Premedication; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011725:Pyridines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000187:drug effects; D013450:Sulfones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014081:Tooth Extraction / Q000009:adverse effects; D014095:Tooth, Impacted / Q000601:surgery*; D014313:Trismus / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D052246:Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D011725:Pyridines; D013450:Sulfones; D011239:Prednisolone; D000077613:Etoricoxib