Effects of Co-Administered Nimesulide and Dexamethasone Following Surgical Extraction of Third Molars- A Split Mouth Study

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of the co-administration of dexamethasone 8 mg and nimesulide 100 mg given 1 h before mandibular third molar surgery. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial was conducted in Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences and Research Faridabad. A pilot study was first performed (95% confidence interval, 80% test power, and 5% error), and a sample of 20 patients aged between 18 and 40 years was selected. The patients were randomized and divided into two groups: nimesulide + placebo and dexamethasone + nimesulide. The following parameters were evaluated: pain (numerical rating scale), oedema, trismus, and patient satisfaction. The paired t-test and the Wilcoxon test were used to compare means. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups in pain values at 2, 4, and 12 h postoperatively. Oedema and trismus were similar in the two treatment groups and decreased over time postoperatively. The coadministration of dexamethasone and nimesulide reduces pain intensity and the need for rescue medication after third molar surgery.