A Prospective Study to Assess the Levels of Interleukin-6 Following Administration of Diclofenac, Ketorolac and Tramadol After Surgical Removal of Lower Third Molars

Introduction The surgical removal of impacted third molars involves, trauma to soft and bony tissue and can result in considerable pain, swelling, and trismus. The greater the amount of tissue injury the greater is the amount of inflammation in the perisurgical region. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is both a pro inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine. It is secreted by T cells and macrophages to stimulate the immune response. IL-6 is also an early marker of tissue damage. In addition to NSAIDs, corticosteroids, opioids also have immunomodulatory effects.