ABSTRACT
The aim of this randomized, double-blind clinical trial was to investigate the effect of preemptive analgesia with a combination of tramadol+dexamethasone or tramadol+diclofenac sodium. The study included 30 patients (age range: 16-30 years), who were randomly assigned to 2 groups by the split-mouth method. Postoperative pain was assessed with a visual analogue scale at 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h postoperatively (p.o.h.). Swelling was measured at 48 p.o.h. Maximal interincisor distance was measured at 48 p.o.h. and 7 postoperative days (p.o.d.). Significant differences in postoperative pain intensity were detected between the drug combinations at 4, 6, and 12p.o.h., suggesting the importance of preemptive analgesia. Patients treated with tramadol+dexamethasone showed lower pain scores compared to the tramadol+diclofenac sodium combination, larger postoperative mouth opening, and less swelling. The tramadol+dexamethasone combination also was more effective than tramadol+diclofenac sodium at reducing inflammation.
