Efficacy of Preemptive Dexamethasone and Diclofenac on Pain Control during Maxillary Alveolar Ridge Horizontal Augmentation using Cortical Shell Augmentation Technique: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Despite the popularity and success of autogenous cortical shell augmentation, it is a painful procedure, limiting its acceptance by patients specifically if general anesthesia is not a viable option. Aim: This study assessed the analgesic efficacy of co-administration of intramuscular diclofenac sodium and dexamethasone preoperatively. Material and Methods: Patients selected according to the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. A similar surgical augmentation technique was performed in both groups using autogenous cortical shell technique. The study group received an intramuscular injection of dexamethasone and diclofenac sodium before surgery, and pain level was measured using VAS (visual analogue scale of pain) immediately post-operative for both groups. Results: The mean Rank recorded in the control group (10.64) was greater than the mean value of the study group (4.36). This contrast was statistically significant (p=0.002). Conclusion: Preoperative administration of dexamethasone and diclofenac sodium was effective in controlling pain during cortical shell augmentation surgery.