Purpose: The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of the application of dexamethasone in the masseter muscle during third molar surgery.
Methods: This randomized, clinical trial used dependent samples and the split-mouth method. A sample of 30 patients, with impacted or semi-impacted third molars, as well as vertical and mesioangular positions of a similar surgical difficulty (on both sides), was subjected to 2 operations: an experimental operation and a control procedure, with a 30-day wash-out. The choice of which group would be experimental or control was random. The experimental group received 8 mg of dexamethasone, which was applied directly to the masseter muscle immediately after surgery. The control group did not receive corticosteroids. Seven and 15 days after the surgery, the patients were assessed in relation to their levels of pain, trismus, and edema.
Results: Concerning edema and trismus, there was a significant difference (P <0.05) between the control and experimental groups. As for the pain scale, no significant differences were found between the presence or absence of corticoids.
Conclusion: The present study concluded that the application of dexamethasone in the masseter muscle effectively reduces edema and trismus, but does not affect pain.