Comparison of the effects of 2 doses of methylprednisolone on pain, swelling, and trismus after third molar surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of intravenous administration of 1.5 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MP) on pain, swelling, and trismus after third molar surgery.

STUDY

DESIGN

Twenty-six healthy patients with symmetrically impacted mandibular third molars were included in this double-blind, cross-over study. Either 1.5 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg of MP was administered by intravenous route one hour prior to the first operation. At the second operation the other dose was applied. Trismus was determined by measuring maximum interincisal opening and facial swelling was evaluated using a tape measuring method. Pain was determined using visual analogue scale and recording the number of pain pills taken.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference in trismus, facial swelling, and pain between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

No clinical benefit of the higher dose of MP was demonstrated.