The Efficacy of Dexketoprofen Trometamol and Paracetamol on Postoperative Events

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of dexketoprofen trometamol and paracetamol on postoperative pain and inflammation after impacted mandibular third molar surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: 15 healthy patients between 18 and 35 years of age who were to undergo surgical removal of bilateral, symmetrically placed mandibular third impacted molars were studied in Selcuk University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

500 mg paracetamol for right side, 12.5 mg dexketoprofen trometamol for left side were administered orally one hour before surgery. The same drugs were prescribed postoperatively. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) records were taken preoperatively and in the second day postoperatively to evaluate swelling.

Maximum mouth opening was measured preoperatively and 2nd and 7th days postoperatively in order to assess trismus. A visual analogue scale (VAS) of 100 mm was given to patients to assess postoperative pain during first 24 hours.

RESULTS: According to MRI records postoperative swelling was significantly lower (p<0.05) in paracetamol group when compared with dexketoprofen trometamol group. No significantly difference was found (p>0.05) in postoperative VAS scores of 8th, 16th and 24th hours between two groups. In both groups, limited mouth opening was significantly prevalant among females than males.

CONCLUSION: According to our results, in case of neccessity to antiinflammatory effect, the use of more potential antiinflammatory analgesics inspite of dexketoprofen trometamol would be the proper choise.