Intraligamentary injection versus inferior alveolar nerve block for painful lower molar pulpitis
Official title: Is Intraligamentary Injection the Anesthesia of Choice for Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis in Mandibular Molars? A Multicenter Randomized Comparative Trial.
Run by Aula Dental Avanzada · NCT07130760 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will see if an intraligamentary injection or an inferior alveolar nerve block gives better pain control for adults having root canal treatment of a painful lower molar with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 52 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Aula Dental Avanzada Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Ferrol, A coruña and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 20, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 2027 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | November 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07130760 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular molar who give informed consent and have a vital response to cold testing are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, allergic to lidocaine/epinephrine, have non-vital or previously treated teeth, recent analgesic use, or significant systemic disease (ASA III or above) are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial comparing two local anesthesia techniques—an intraligamentary injection (ILA) and an inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB)—in adults with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of mandibular molars. Eligible patients are randomized to receive one of the two techniques before endodontic access, with standardized protocols across participating dental clinics. Pain and anesthetic success are measured using validated pain scales during the procedure and analyzed statistically to compare outcomes. Patients with contraindications such as allergy to lidocaine/epinephrine, pregnancy, recent analgesic use, non-vital or previously treated teeth, or significant systemic disease are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could identify a more reliable anesthesia technique that reduces intraoperative pain and the need for supplemental injections during root canal treatment of lower molar pulpitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows intraligamentary injections can be effective as supplemental anesthesia when IANB fails, but direct randomized head-to-head comparisons as primary techniques are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Presenting with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular molar * Vital response to cold testing * Ability to understand and provide informed consent * Available for follow-up and data collection Exclusion Criteria: * Known allergy to lidocaine or epinephrine * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Use of analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs in the previous 6 hours * Non-vital or previously treated teeth * Significant systemic disease (ASA III or above) * History of psychiatric or neurological disorders affecting pain perception
Where it's running
-
Clínica Dental 4
Ferrol, A coruña, Spain Recruiting -
Clínica Dental Esteve
Alicante, Alicante, Spain Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Guillem Esteve-Pardo, PhD
- Email: guillem@clinicaesteve.com
- Phone: 34965215755
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This trial tests whether giving dexamethasone under the gum or between tooth-supporting ligaments helps make anesthetic blocks work better and reduce pain in adults with painful irreversible pulpitis in the lower molars.
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This trial tests whether washing the exposed pulp with calcium hypochlorite or with sodium hypochlorite during partial pulpotomy in adults helps healing and reduces pain.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.