Clinical trial with bromelain in third molar exodontia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme, particularly effective in the treatment of soft tissue inflammations and traumas, in localized inflammations, especially in presence of hydropsy and also in postoperative tissue reactions. The aim of the present study is to assess the efficacy of bromelain in controlling the edema and its related pain in the inflamed area after upper third molar exodontia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effectiveness of our protocol was evaluated by a clinical assessment of the profile of the hemiface corresponding to the treated area: indeed, the linear values of the trago-pogonion distances were measured. Algogens were determined by VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) (Figure 1) with integers ranging from 1 (no pain) to 8 (maximum pain) up to a maximum of 10 (paroxysmal and unbearable pain).

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of bromelain in treating postoperative edema after third molar surgery.