Applying the tools of chemistry (mass spectrometry and covalent modification by small molecule reagents) to the detection of prions and the study of their structure.

BACKGROUND

Pain management in dentistry, particularly in procedures such as mandibular third molar surgery, poses a significant challenge due to the transient efficacy of traditional local anesthetics. To address this, adjunctive therapies such as dexamethasone have been explored to prolong anesthesia and alleviate postoperative pain. However, the efficacy and safety of this approach in mandibular third molar surgery remain underexplored.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This study assessed the efficacy and safety of combining articaine with perineural dexamethasone for inferior alveolar nerve block in patients undergoing mandibular third molar extraction. Sixty patients aged 18-35 years were enrolled and randomly assigned to three groups receiving different anesthesia protocols. Anesthesia duration, postoperative pain scores, and adverse events were evaluated.

RESULTS

The incorporation of dexamethasone into articaine-based anesthesia significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia compared to articaine alone, underscoring its potential as an effective adjunctive therapy. While no significant differences were observed in the duration of operation, analgesic consumption, or incidence of adverse events among the groups, trends favoring the articaine-dexamethasone cohorts were noted in postoperative pain scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Combining articaine with perineural dexamethasone for inferior alveolar nerve block prolongs postoperative analgesia in mandibular third molar surgery. While additional research using larger sample sizes and longer follow-up durations is needed, these findings imply that this combination could be beneficial for improving pain management during oral surgery.