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Glucocorticoids are drugs noted for their potent anti-inflammatory effect and long lasting half-life. Various studies have been carried out to identify which of these molecules is best for reducing the postoperative sequelae after surgical extraction of the impacted lower third molar. This study examines four different ways of administering dexamethasone after surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars: endoalveolar application, submucous injection, intravenous administration and intramuscular injection, with the aim of identifying which method gives the least discomfort to the patient in regard to reduction of pain, edema and post-operative lock-jaw. Results show that a greater reduction of the postoperative sequelae was obtained in the group of patients treated with dexamethasone intravenously. Satisfying results were also obtained in the group treated with a topical administration of dexamethasone in powder form and in the group which was given dexamethasone through an intramuscular injection. These last two groups had similar results. Instead, the results obtained in the group that received dexamethasone through local submucous injection were not satisfactory.Excision of the third lower molar under local anesthetic is one of the most frequently performed interventions in oral surgery. This intervention is usually associated with post-operative pain, edema and trismus, as direct consequences immediately after surgery, influencing the quality of life of the patient. Various studies have therefore been carried out on the control ofthis post-operative reaction and various perioperative strategies have been proposed aimed at preventing the onset of inflammation which is the cause of pain. The introduction of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) has greatly modified the way in which post-operative pain is dealt with in dentistry and medicine in general in However, the prescription of NSAIDs, in particular aspirin, is often cause for concern as these drugs cause the inhibitionof the platelet aggregation with a possible increase of intra-and post-operative bleeding and the formationof post-operativehematomas and ecchymosis. Therefore, a valid preventive strategy, as an alternative to the use of NSAIDs for limiting edema, pain and 1721-727 (2007)

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