Application of corticosteroids in oral and maxillofacial surgery – a review

Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs that resemble cortisol, a naturally produced hormone by the body. Their main use is to reduce inflammation, especially when the body mistakenly triggers inflammation where it shouldn’t exist. Corticosteroids are widely used in the treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions affecting the oral and maxillofacial area and the adjacent associated structures. The diseases of the oral and maxillofacial region may be either local or the manifestation of systemic problem. Corticosteroids have their widest application in the management of acute and chronic conditions which have an allergic, immunologic, or inflammatory basis. Most of the oral and maxillofacial surgeons utilize corticosteroids based on their efficacy to control outcomes of surgery and to yield a comfortable post-surgery period. This paper reviews the uses of corticosteroids in oral and maxillofacial surgery.