Aim of the study: Dexamethasone is a popular corticosteroid in dental practice. Submucosal infiltration of dexamethasone proved to be effective to relief post-operative symptoms in different clinical and research application. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of submucosal dexamethasone single injection on the healing of injured periodontal ligament fibers after molar luxation in rats via histological and gene expression studies.
Materials and methods:24 Wistar rats were selected for the study. Luxation injuries were performed for all first mandibular molars of both mandibular sides, right & left. Immediately after luxation, the right sides of the mandibles received submucosal injections of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (0.4mg/ml), while left sides were not dexamethasone injected. Follow up periods were 1, 3 & 7 days. Mandibular specimens were studied by routine histology, and quantitative gene expression analysis was done for fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), caspase-3 & alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
Results: Histological features revealed superior results of the dexamethasone group with better regeneration and organization of fibers. Gene expression results revealed significant increase in the expression of both FGF2 and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and a significant decrease in the expression of caspase-3 in the study side when compared to the control side.
Conclusion: histologically dexamethasone enhanced the regeneration of torn periodontal ligament fibers with noticeable reduction in inflammation and rise in cellular proliferation. Gene expression reflected the possible benefit of dexamethasone single local injection in the management of periodontal ligament injuries.