CompletedNot Applicable

Evaluation of Corticosteroid Administration Following Impacted Third Molar Surgery Using 3-Dimensional Facial Analysis

Turkey (Türkiye)60 participantsStarted 2026-03-02

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial is to compare the efficacy of local submucosal administration of dexamethasone versus methylprednisolone on postoperative morbidity following impacted lower third molar surgery. The study evaluates postoperative pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and quantifies three-dimensional facial edema using a mobile smartphone-based scanning workflow (Qlone aligned in CloudCompare). Patients requiring unilateral extraction of fully bone-impacted mandibular third molars are randomly allocated into three parallel groups: Control (no injection), Methylprednisolone (40 mg), and Dexamethasone (8 mg).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 35 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * 1\. Systemically healthy individuals classified as ASA I according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. 2\. Patients between 18 and 35 years of age. 3. Presence of a unilateral, fully bone-impacted mandibular third molar with an indication for surgical extraction. 4\. Impacted teeth classified as Class II or III and Position B or C according to the Pell-Gregory classification system. 5\. Impacted teeth with mesioangular or vertical angulation based on Winter's classification. 6\. A moderate surgical difficulty level (score of 5 to 7) confirmed via the Pederson difficulty index. 7\. Competency to provide written informed consent and willingness to adhere to follow-up schedules. Exclusion Criteria: * 1\. Presence of any systemic disease or medical condition that contraindicates the use of systemic or local corticosteroids. 2\. Pregnancy or lactation. 3. Active pericoronitis, acute infection, or pathology (e.g., cysts, tumors) associated with the target third molar or adjacent structures. 4\. Use of antibiotics, systemic corticosteroids, or regular anti-inflammatory medications within the past 30 days prior to surgery. 5\. History of daily tobacco smoking within the past 6 months. 6. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or the prescribed postoperative medications (amoxicillin, clavulanic acid, paracetamol, dexketoprofen). 7\. Inability to comply with the 3D facial s…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Three-Dimensional Facial Edema

Timeframe: Baseline (Preoperative) and Postoperative Day 3 and 7

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07628166

SponsorIrfan Üstündağ

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-04-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Extraction trials