Comparison of effects of pre-operative and post-operative administration of dexamethasone in sub mucosal area in minor oral surgical procedures

Background and Objectives: Surgical trauma to the tissues in the oral cavity can cause complications like pain, swelling, impaired function cause transient morbidity for the patients. To reduce these complications many drugs have been used may be pre-operatively as preemptive analgesia or post-operatively also. In this study we have determined the effects of pre-operative and post-operative use of dexamethasone in minor oral surgeries. Methodology: A study was carried on 40 patients of age group 20-45 years requiringminor oral surgery procedures were included in the study in a randomized controlled manner, visiting the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery. 2 ml of 4 mg/ ml dexamethasone (total 8 mg) was injected into the sub mucosal area near the operative site. Pain, swelling and trismus were noted on 2nd, 5th and 7th day following surgery. Statistical analysis was done using Mann–Whitney U test, Wilcoxonsigned-rank test and chi square test. Results: Pre-operative dexamethasone was given in 20 patients in group A whereas post-operative dexamethasone was given in 20 patients in group B. Results showed that the post-operative swelling was significantly less in group A than in group B (p < 0.05). Interpretation and Conclusion: Pre-operative dexamethasone was better in reducing the post-operative complications than the post-operative administration of dexamethasone.