Update on the Use of Dexamethasone Injection After Third Molar Odontectomy: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Postoperative complications of extracting impacted third molar teeth often include pain, trismus, and facial swelling. Recent studies have explored the application of dexamethasone to lessen this inflammation following surgery. We used a systematic review and meta-analysis in this investigation to assess the efficacy of dexamethasone. in reducing postoperative complications. Article searches were conducted using PRISMA guidelines in four electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar. The keywords were selected according to the data search strategy. The PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) was used to organize this systematic review and using SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network) bias assessment. The study used a visual analog scale to assess postoperative pain. The dose of dexamethasone used varied between 8 mg, 1 ml intravenously and 0.3 mg/kg. The results showed variations in the duration of analgesic use and the number of analgesic tablets required. Overall, the use of dexamethasone after third molar surgery was shown to reduce edema and trismus. However, the response to pain reduction was variable. This study concludes that intramuscular, pterygomandibular injection, sublingual, and submucosal administration of dexamethasone can produce better therapeutic effects than conventional postoperative care for extraction of impacted third molar teeth. In particular, During the healing phase swelling, trismus and edema are significantly reduced