Effect of anti-inflammatory drugs on pain after root canal treatment

Effect of Pre-medication With Anti-inflammatory Drugs(Ibuprofen and Dexamethasone)on Post-Endodontic Pain With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis

Phase 2 Interventional Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Pakistan · NCT06980870

This study is testing whether taking ibuprofen or dexamethasone before a root canal can help reduce pain afterward for people with severe tooth issues.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorArmed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Pakistan Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rawalpindi)
Trial IDNCT06980870 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of pre-medication with two anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen and dexamethasone, on post-endodontic pain in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. A total of 130 patients will be screened and divided into two groups, with one group receiving ibuprofen and the other receiving dexamethasone 15 minutes prior to root canal treatment. The study will be conducted at the Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, ensuring informed consent is obtained in the local language. The effectiveness of these medications will be assessed in relation to pain management following the procedure.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are systemically healthy individuals aged 18-50 with acutely inflamed pulp in permanent teeth.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, lactating, immunocompromised, or allergic to the medications will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients undergoing root canal treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with similar approaches to pain management in dental procedures, but this specific combination of medications is less commonly tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Permanent teeth with acutely inflamed pulp without swelling or draining sinus.
2. Patients of either gender aged between 18-50 years old.
3. Systemically healthy patients.
4. Patients who agree to attend for recall appointments and provide a written consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients on preoperative analgesics and antibiotics.
2. Teeth with calcified canals and previously treated teeth.
3. Pregnant and lactating mothers.
4. Patients who are immunocompromised, anxious and mentally handicapped.
5. Patients who are allergic to any of the test medications.

Where this trial is running

Rawalpindi

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Post-endodontic PainIbuprofenDexamethasonepost-endodontic painibuprofendexamethasone
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.