Clinical comparative study of the effectiveness of two dosages of Dexamethasone to control postoperative swelling, trismus and pain after the surgical extraction of mandibular impacted third molars

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two different concentrations (4 and 8 mg) of dexamethasone to decrease the swelling and trismus after the surgical extraction of mandibular impacted third molars. Methods: This randomized clinical trial comprised thirty (30) adult patients of both genders with no local or systemic problems, with bilateral impacted lower third molars in similar position, where surgical extraction had been indicated. They were given 4 mg and 8 mg of dexamethasone 1 hour before the surgical procedure at the first or second surgery. The choice of which side to operate first and the amount of concentration of medication to use was made randomly and dou…