Update on the use of corticosteroids in third molar surgery: systematic review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
Third molar extraction produces inflammation, pain, and trismus, and different pharmacologic therapies have been evaluated for the minimization of postsurgical symptoms. The most frequently prescribed drugs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, followed by steroids and opiates.


METHODS
A systematic search of the literature was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Cochrane using steroid and third molar as key words.


RESULTS
The most relevant randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses (n = 28) were selected from among 72 articles.


CONCLUSIONS
Administration of corticosteroids improves the postoperative experience of patients and has a significant impact on trismus and inflammation. Greater effects appear to be achieved by using the parenteral route and by administering the corticosteroid before the surgery.
Assistant Professor of the Masters in Oral Surgery and Implantology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain. Electronic address: fjherrerabriones@hotmail.com.
Francisco Javier
FJ
Herrera-Briones
Estrella
E
Prados Sánchez
Candela
C
Reyes Botella
Manuel
M
Vallecillo Capilla
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000601:surgery*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014081:Tooth Extraction
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones