Comparative study of the effect of tube drainage versus methylprednisolone after third molar surgery

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of tube drainage versus a single dose of methylprednisolone (MP) on maximal mouth opening, facial swelling, and pain after third molar surgery. Study design Twenty-two patients requiring extraction of bilaterally impacted mandibular third molars were selected. Each patient had 2 operations. In the first operation, a drainage tube was inserted into the buccal fold after the suture procedure and left there for 3 days. In the second operation 1 month after the first surgery, 1.5 mg/kg intravenous methylprednisolone was administered 1 hour before the surgery. The patients were evaluated by the same person for maximal mouth opening, facial swelling, and pain in the immediate preoperative time point and on the second, fifth, and seventh days after surgery. Results There was a statistically significant difference in mouth opening on fifth and seventh days but none in facial swelling and pain between MP group and drain group. Conclusion We conclude that the use of a drain or methylprednisolone is useful in reducing postoperative discomfort after third molar surgery.