Evaluation of methylprednisolone and flurbiprofen for inhibition of the postoperative inflammatory response.

The ideal anti-inflammatory agent for use in third molar surgery should control pain, reduce swelling and trismus, and have no unwanted side effects. This investigation evaluated and compared the efficacy of corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and placebo for reduction of the acute postoperative inflammatory response and its undesirable sequelae in patients undergoing the surgical removal of impacted third molars. Corticosteroids appeared to have maximal effect in controlling edema but had minimal analgesic effects. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents appear to be effective analgesics. A combination of these agents may be necessary to control the sequelae of oral surgical procedures most effectively.