Nerve block technique to reduce pain after wisdom tooth removal

Temporo-masseteric Nerve Block in post-wisdom tooth extraction pain - a randomized study

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11033310

This study is looking at a new way to help manage pain and improve how well you can open your mouth after getting your wisdom teeth removed, using a special injection that could be a safer alternative to pain pills.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11033310 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new local anesthetic injection called the temporo-masseteric nerve block (TMNB) to help manage pain and improve mouth opening after wisdom tooth extractions. The study aims to provide an alternative to opioid pain medications, which are commonly prescribed but can lead to dependency. By numbing the jaw muscles, the TMNB may offer sustained relief from pain and muscle spasms during recovery. The research will involve a randomized approach to assess the effectiveness of this technique compared to standard pain management methods.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are scheduled to undergo wisdom tooth extraction.

Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing wisdom tooth extraction or those with contraindications to local anesthesia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the need for opioid pain medications in patients recovering from wisdom tooth extractions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise for similar non-opioid pain management techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.