Is C- Reactive Protein a Better Indicator of Inflammation After Surgical Removal of Mandibular Third Molar? - A Prospective Study

Objectives: To evaluate whether haematological levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) rise with postoperative inflammatory events following third molar surgery, and to assess the correlation of CRP levels with clinical signs of inflammation pain and swelling. Fifty Materials and Methods: patients aged 18–30 years were included. Preoperatively, pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale, facial measurements were recorded for swelling, and maximum interincisal distance was measured with digital Vernier callipers. Baseline CRP levels were estimated by latex slide agglutination. Surgical extractions were performed under local anaesthesia. Patients were reassessed at 48 hours and 7 days for pain, swelling, trismus, and CRP levels. Data were tabulated and analysed using SPSS, with a chi-square test applied to correlate preoperative CRP with postoperative outcomes. CRP levels showed a significant rise at 48 hours, returning near normal by day Results: 7, confirming its role as a prognostic marker of inflammation. Pain scores and facial measurements also showed significant variations across time intervals. Conclusion: Postoperative pain, swelling, and trismus were greater in patients with higher preoperative CRP levels. Hence, CRP is a reliable predictor of postoperative discomfort symptoms such as pain, swelling, and trismus.