Maaen Journal for Medical Sciences
Efficacy of Submucosal Hydrocortisone Injection Versus Normal Saline in Third Molar Surgery
By Lana Saeed Abdul Sada and Sabah Abdul Rasool Hammoodi.
Abstract
Background
It is well recognized that corticosteroids lessen edema, fluid transudation, and inflammation. These substances, which are released by the adrenal glands, are important for sustaining metabolism. Their anti-inflammatory properties are among their most important functions. Methodology: A double-blind, randomized, controlled study. Twenty patients requiring surgical removal impacted third molar participated in the trial. The patients were split into two groups of 10 at random: Group I received a submucosal injection of hydrocortisone, and following the establishment of local anesthetic, Group II (the placebo group) was given a submucosal injection of normal saline. Postoperative sequelae were assessed on the second and seventh days after surgery.
Result
Submucosal administration of hydrocortisone significantly reduced postoperative pain, facial swelling, and trismus compared with placebo (P < 0.05), while postoperative analgesic consumption and wound healing showed no significant differences between the groups (P > 0.05).