Eficácia da Arnica Montana no controle de dor, edema e limitação de abertura bucal após cirurgia de terceiro molar – ensaio clínico randomizado e split-mouth

Abstract

Homeopathy is a therapeutic alternative that has been used since the 18th century; differs from allopathy because of the use of infinitesimal dilutions of certain substances in order to avoid the drawbacks of toxicity and dependence on allopathic drugs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Arnica Montana, in a bilateral extraction model. It was a randomized, split-mouth clinical trial. The sample (n = 17) was composed of individuals between 18 and 26 years of age, of both genders, classification ASA I (American Society of Anesthesiologists). Participants had bilateral impacted third molars in a similar position. Each patient underwent two surgical procedures, with a 15-day washout, and in each procedure, a pharmacological protocol was used, totaling 34 surgeries. Arnica Montana 6 CH was used in the experimental protocol three days before and two days after surgery. The control group was treated with Dexamethasone 8 mg, one hour prior to surgery. As the escape medication was prescribed paracetamol 750 mg. The Visual Analog Scale (EVA) scale was used to assess the pain in the 24-hour period. Edema and trismus were measured immediately before, 24 and 48 hours and seven postoperative days. The Wilcoxon test or paired t-test was used in the statistical analysis, with a significance level of 5%. The results showed that the peak of pain occurred in the first two hours and that there was no significant difference between the protocols (p> 0.05) in the periods of 2, 6 and 24 hours, except for the 12 hour period where Dexamethasone presented better control (p <0.05). The greatest limitation of mouth opening was observed in the 24-hour period, with no significant difference between treatments (p> 0.05); however, in subsequent periods, treatment with Dexamethasone resulted in a lower limitation of mouth opening (p <0.05). Maximum edema occurred within 24 hours, with no significant difference between treatments (p> 0.05). It was concluded that Arnica Montana behaved similarly to Dexamethasone in relation to the control of edema and pain after third molar surgeries, as well as the ability to control trismus similar to Dexamethasone, especially in the first twenty-four hours.