title: Beneficial effect of methylprednisolone after mandibular third molar surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled split-mouth trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Third molar (M3) removal is the model most frequently used for pain trials in oral surgery. Corticosteroids are frequently administered to reduce trismus and swelling after dentoalveolar surgical procedures. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the influence of a single, preoperative oral application of methylprednisolone on postoperative trismus, pain intensity, and the subjective need for analgesic medication after surgical removal of impacted mandibular M3 (LM3).
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen healthy patients requiring similar bilateral surgical LM3 removal were included in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study in a split-mouth design. At random, each patient received either weight-dependent methylprednisolone (40-80 mg) or a placebo orally 1 h prior to surgery. In each case, the right and left LM3 were treated in independent visits. Trismus, swelling, pain measured on a 100-mm visual analog scale, and the postoperative demand of analgesics were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Statistical analysis indicates a significant reduction of trismus, swelling, pain intensity, and patient-controlled intake of analgesics during the whole postsurgical period of investigation (first to seventh day).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study suggest that a single preoperative weight-dependent administration of methylprednisolone is a safe and effective concept for diminishing postoperative discomfort, pain intensity, and the total intake of analgesics after wisdom tooth extractions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In case of missing contraindications, the preoperative administration of methylprednisolone is recommended, a routine medication for more extended procedures in oral surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Surgery and Radiology, University Dental Clinic, Medical University Graz, A-8036, Graz, Austria. stephan.acham@medunigraz.at
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Acham
authors.forename: Arnold
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Klampfl
authors.forename: Astrid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Truschnegg
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kirmeier
authors.forename: Andreas
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sandner-Kiesling
authors.forename: Norbert
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jakse
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D010919:Placebos; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014313:Trismus / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D010919:Placebos; D008775:Methylprednisolone