Clinical evaluation of intramasseteric versus submucosal dexamethasone administration after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar

Objective:  The study was designed to compare the efficacy of intramassetric and submucosal routes of dexamethasone administration after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar. Materials and methods: This study was conducted on 30 patients of both sexes from the out-patient Clinics of oral and Maxillofacial surgery Department, Faculty of Dental Medecine, Boys, Cairo Al-Azhar University, and Sayed Jalal University Hospital. All patients has a mesio-angular, class II molar ( according to Pell and Gregory classification) . The patients were divided randomly into three groups (10 patients each) crossly matched for age and sex. All the patients were subjected to complete history taking including name, age, sex, occupation, residence, chief complaint, medical and dental history. The patients were subjected to intraoral examination to determine the condition of soft tissue covering the impacted third molar, and the condition of pericoronal soft tissue. Panoramic views and a digital periapical X-rays films were taken for all patients to evaluate and classify the impacted third molars and amount of the bone around it. Assessment of pain level was done using visual analogue scale, Measurement of maximum mouth opening and edema.  Results: In the 1^st, 3^rd and 7^th there was statistically significant difference between pain scores, mouth opening and edema in the two study groups and the control group. Conclusion: Pain reduction was noted in both study groups, Maximal mouth opening and edema improved with intramasseteric and submucosal groups more than in control group.