Reducing pain from wisdom tooth extractions
Official title: Non-randomized Prospective Pilot Study on Effect of Temporo-masseteric Nerve Block (TMNB) on Pain Reduction Following Wisdom Molar Extractions
Run by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey · NCT05335070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new pain relief method for people getting their lower wisdom teeth removed to see if it can help reduce the need for opioid painkillers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 64 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, New Jersey) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 13, 2022 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 5, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05335070 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 to 64 who are undergoing lower wisdom tooth extractions and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients over 64 years old, pregnant individuals, or those with systemic conditions that increase risk during sedation will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of the Temporo-masseteric Nerve Block (TMNB) as a local anesthetic to alleviate pain in individuals undergoing lower wisdom tooth extractions under intravenous sedation. The study aims to reduce reliance on opioid prescriptions for pain management, addressing the national opioid crisis. Participants will receive the TMNB injection and report their pain experiences and medication use during the first week post-surgery, with a follow-up visit on Day 8 to assess outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce post-operative pain and the need for opioid medications in patients undergoing wisdom tooth extractions.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of nerve blocks in dental procedures is established, this specific approach with the TMNB is novel and has not been extensively tested in this context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years of age or older (up to 64 years) * Any demographic * ASA 1 and 2 (mild or absent systemic illnesses, deemed fit for undergoing dental extractions under intravenous sedation) * Not pregnant (as will not qualify to undergo procedure under intravenous sedation as part of routine standard-of-care) * Adequate mental ability to understand and provide informed consent * Has smart phone and internet connection Exclusion Criteria: * Age older than 64 years (because they are poor candidates for undergoing procedures under intravenous sedation) * Pregnant * Incapable of providing informed consent * Any systemic condition that renders the patient at higher risk for complications under intravenous sedation * Documented allergy to the dental local anesthetic * Inability to tolerate any of the commonly used pain medications such as combination opioids, acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) * Limitation in adequate mouth opening in presence/absence of pain
Where it's running
-
The University Hospital- Dental Clinic
Newark, New Jersey, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gayathri D Subramanian, PhD, DMD — Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
- Study coordinator: Gayathri Subramanian, PhD, DMD
- Email: subramga@sdm.rutgers.edu
- Phone: 9739723418
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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.