Nerve block technique to reduce pain after wisdom tooth removal
Official title: Temporo-masseteric Nerve Block in post-wisdom tooth extraction pain - a randomized study
Funded at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11033310 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $168,228 |
| NIH project number | 1K23DE034478-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033310 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are scheduled to undergo wisdom tooth extraction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing wisdom tooth extraction or those with contraindications to local anesthesia may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: Previous research has shown promise for similar non-opioid pain management techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subramanian, Gayathri — Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Subramanian, Gayathri
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.