Effectiveness of Intra-Socket Application of Dexamethasone- and Hyaluronic Acid-Soaked Gelfoam in Mandibular Third Molar Surgery
摘要
Extraction of impacted mandibular third molars are commonly associated with postoperative pain, facial swelling, and trismus. Local intra-socket drug delivery provides targeted therapy with minimal systemic drug exposure. This study compared the efficacy of dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid–soaked gelfoams in reducing postoperative sequelae.
Materials and MethodsA prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 54 patients who underwent surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. Participants were allocated into three groups (n = 18 each): Group A (control, normal saline-soaked gelfoam), Group B (dexamethasone-soaked gelfoam), and Group C (hyaluronic acid-soaked gelfoam). Facial swelling (linear measurements), interincisal mouth opening, and pain were recorded preoperatively and on postoperative days 3 and 7 using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were analyzed using one-way and repeated-measures ANOVA (p < 0.05).
ResultsAll fifty-four participants completed the study. Baseline parameters were comparable across groups (p = 0.88, p = 0.06, p = 0.17). Facial swelling showed no significant intergroup differences on day 3 (p = 0.71) or day 7 (p = 0.74). Mouth opening differed significantly on day 3 (p = 0.021) and day 7 (p = 0.049) showed better preservation in the dexamethasone group. Pain scores showed no significant differences (p = 0.57, p = 0.82), although lower mean values were observed in the intervention groups. Antibiotic (p = 0.124) and analgesic consumption (p = 0.154) were comparable.
ConclusionIntra-socket dexamethasone demonstrated superior efficacy in preserving mouth opening, whereas both dexamethasone and hyaluronic acid showed favorable trends in pain reduction.