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. 2013 Feb;5(1):26-33.
doi: 10.4021/jocmr1160w. Epub 2013 Jan 11.

A single dose of amoxicillin and dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative complications in third molar surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial

Marcelo Carlos Bortoluzzi  1 , Diogo Lenzi Capella, Tharzon Barbieri, Micheli Pagliarini, Talita Cavalieri, Rafael Manfro
Affiliations

A single dose of amoxicillin and dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative complications in third molar surgery: a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial

Marcelo Carlos Bortoluzzi et al. J Clin Med Res. 2013 Feb.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a single prophylactic dose of amoxicillin and/or dexamethasone in preventing postoperative complications (PC) after a surgical removal of a single mandibular third molar (M3).

Methods: This study is a randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial. Four groups were included: Group 1 (G1) included a prophylactic dose of 2 g of amoxicillin and 8 mg of dexamethasone; Group 2 (G2) included a prophylactic dose of 2 g of amoxicillin and 8 mg of placebo; Group 3 (G3) included a prophylactic dose of 8 mg of dexamethasone and 2 g of placebo and; Group 4 (G4) placebo.

Results: Fifty patients were included. It was observed one case of alveolar infection (2%) and two of alveolar osteitis (4%) resulting in three PC (6%). No statistical differences were observed between therapeutic groups for development of PC, trismus, pain and edema. The use of antibiotics showed an absolute risk reduction (ARR) for PC development of 3.52% and the number needed to treat (NNT) was 29.

Conclusion: Prophylactic antibiotics and corticoid in a single dose regimen did not bring any benefit on M3 surgeries.

Keywords: Amoxicillin; Antibiotic prophylaxis; Dexamethasone; Third molar surgery.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Visual analogue scale used in patients diary for guide in self-score pain.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Self-reported measures for pain according to therapeutic groups.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Self-reported measures for edema according to therapeutic groups.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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