Managing pain in young children after dental surgery under anesthesia

A Comparison of Standard Dose of Ibuprofen Alone, Alternating, or Combined With Acetaminophen for the Management of Postoperative Discomfort in Young Children Following Dental Rehabilitation Under General Anesthesia

Phase 4 Interventional Boston University · NCT06757075

This study is testing which pain relief method works best for young children aged 4-6 after they have dental surgery under anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment75 (estimated)
Ages4 Years to 6 Years
SexAll
SponsorBoston University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brighton, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT06757075 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of different oral analgesic regimens to reduce postoperative pain in young children aged 4-6 years following dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia. It is a randomized controlled trial comparing three approaches: ibuprofen alone, alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and a combined regimen of both medications. The study will utilize self-reporting and behavioral measures to assess pain levels and discomfort in participants. Conducted at Franciscan Children's Hospital, the trial aims to identify the most effective pain management strategy for this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 4-6 years requiring dental rehabilitation under general anesthesia and who are classified as ASA I-II.

Not a fit: Patients with ASA III or IV classifications, asthma, or contraindications to acetaminophen or ibuprofen may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for young children undergoing dental procedures, enhancing their recovery experience.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying success with similar analgesic regimens in pediatric populations, indicating potential for effective pain management strategies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II
* Requiring Oral Rehabilitation under General Anesthesia
* Possess legal guardians proficient in English
* Not have a history of any adverse/allergic reaction to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or Acetaminophen

Exclusion Criteria:

* ASA III or IV
* Asthma diagnosis
* Contraindication to acetaminophen or ibuprofen

Where this trial is running

Brighton, Massachusetts

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 Pain, PostoperativeDental rehabilitation under general anesthesiaDental surgery patients 4-6 yearsAcetominophenIbuprofenPacing analgesics
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.