Update on the use of corticosteroids in third molar surgery: systematic review of the literature.

Objectives Third molar extraction produces inflammation, pain, and trismus, and different pharmacologic therapies have been evaluated for the minimization of postsurgical symptoms. The most frequently prescribed drugs are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, followed by steroids and opiates. Material and Methods A systematic search of the literature was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, and Cochrane using steroid and third molar as key words. Results The most relevant randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses (n = 28) were selected from among 72 articles. Conclusions Administration of corticosteroids improves the postoperative experience of patients and has a significant impact on trismus and inflammation. Greater effects appear to be achieved by using the parenteral route and by administering the corticosteroid before the surgery.