Choosing pain medicine after wisdom tooth removal with 2- vs 3-option decision aids
ACE Pilot 3: Decision Aid 2 Options vs 3 Options
NA · Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT07011472
This project tests whether showing adults having wisdom tooth removal a decision aid with two pain‑medicine choices versus three (the third being an opioid 'just in case') changes which medication they choose.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, New Jersey) |
| Trial ID | NCT07011472 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults scheduled for one or more third molar (wisdom tooth) extractions at Rutgers are randomized to use a shared decision‑making aid that presents either two analgesic options or three options including an opioid 'just in case'. The decision aids present information about non‑opioid (ibuprofen/acetaminophen) combinations versus opioid‑containing options and guide patients through choosing a preferred post‑operative analgesic. Investigators will record the analgesic each participant selects and compare rates of opioid selection between the two decision‑aid groups, while actual prescriptions remain at the treating clinician's discretion. Participants must be English‑speaking adults able to take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or opioids and will complete consent and brief data collection around the time of the planned extraction.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (age ≥18) who speak English, can take ibuprofen and acetaminophen (and opioids if eligible), are planning third molar extraction at Rutgers, and can give informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who cannot take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or opioids, who do not speak English, or who have medical contraindications or scheduling that prevents in‑person participation are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce unnecessary opioid prescribing after dental surgery and help patients choose pain relief that better matches their preferences.
How similar studies have performed: Decision aids have improved patient satisfaction and at least one study suggests shared decision making may reduce opioid tablets prescribed, but analgesic choice after outpatient dental surgery and the specific 'just‑in‑case' framing remain under‑studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Be able to understand the informed consent. * Provide signed and dated informed consent form * Be able to understand all directions for data gathering instruments in English * Be willing and able to comply with all study procedures * Planning to undergo extraction of one or more 3rd molars * Be 18 years or older Exclusion Criteria: While the actual analgesic prescribed to the patient may be different then the analgesic selected by the participant (their actual analgesic is NOT part of the research protocol) participants who self-report inability to take ibuprofen, acetaminophen or an opioid are not eligible since the decision aid is designed to help a patient select between a combination of ibuprofen/acetaminophen and an opioid containing analgesic. Participants would also be excluded due to any additional criteria that would place the individual at increased risk or preclude the individual's full compliance with or completion of the study which includes: * Prior participation in this study * Inability or refusal to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Newark, New Jersey
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine — Newark, New Jersey, United States (RECRUITING)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Pain Management, Shared Decision Making, Analgesic selection, shared decision making, decision aid, non-opioid analgesic