This high-yield revision note on Steroids in Dentistry - Dose, Duration, When to Give? covers everything examiners typically test under Pharmacology — structured as quick-reference tables, clinical correlations, mnemonics and previous-year-style high-yield points. It's built for last-mile revision before NEET MDS, INI-CET MDS and INBDE, so you can scan it in minutes instead of re-reading a whole textbook chapter.
| Indication | Steroid & Typical Dose | Duration/Note |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd molar surgery (edema/trismus control) | Dexamethasone 4-8mg single dose, IM/IV pre-op or immediately post-op (oral 8mg pre-op also used) | Single dose is usually sufficient; significantly reduces postoperative facial swelling and limited mouth opening |
| Oral lichen planus (erosive/symptomatic) | Topical: Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% or Clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment applied to lesions 2-3 times daily; Systemic (severe/refractory): short-course oral Prednisolone | Topical is first-line; systemic reserved for widespread/refractory erosive disease, tapered over 2-4 weeks |
| Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (major/severe) | Topical Triamcinolone in Orabase, or a short systemic Prednisolone taper for severe major aphthae | Reduces pain and duration of the ulcerative episode |
| TMJ intra-articular inflammation (refractory synovitis) | Intra-articular Triamcinolone or Betamethasone injection | Reserved for cases unresponsive to conservative splint/NSAID therapy; repeated injections avoided due to risk of cartilage damage |
| Adrenal insufficiency / steroid-dependent patients undergoing dental surgery | Supplemental "stress dose" steroid cover before invasive procedures, as advised by the treating physician | Prevents an adrenal (Addisonian) crisis under the stress of surgery/infection |
| General caution | Short courses (a few days, e.g. peri-operative single/short dosing) are generally safe | Long-term/chronic systemic steroid use requires tapering (not abrupt stoppage) to avoid adrenal suppression, and carries risks of hyperglycemia, delayed healing, and increased infection susceptibility |
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