Understanding pain perception in patients with acute pulpitis

Measuring Pain Perception in Patients With Symptomatic Acute Pulpitis and Resistant to Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Using NRS and Brain Waves

Observational Cleveland Dental Institute · NCT06526572

This study is trying to understand how people with acute pulpitis experience pain, especially those who don't get relief from a common dental numbing shot, by looking at their pain reports and brain activity.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorCleveland Dental Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06526572 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates pain perception in patients with symptomatic acute pulpitis who do not respond to inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). It employs a dual approach, combining subjective pain intensity reporting using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) with objective brain wave analysis through electroencephalography (EEG). By correlating self-reported pain scores with EEG data, the study aims to provide insights into the pain experience of this specific patient population. The ultimate goal is to enhance understanding of pain mechanisms and guide the development of personalized pain management strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-50 with symptomatic acute pulpitis who do not respond to IANB.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders affecting pain perception or those with contraindications for dental procedures may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management strategies for patients with acute pulpitis who are resistant to standard treatments.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on pain perception exist, this specific dual approach combining NRS and EEG in acute pulpitis is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Adults aged \[18-50 years\]. Clinically diagnosed with symptomatic acute pulpitis based on dental examination and radiographic findings.

Demonstrates resistance to inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). Willing and able to provide informed consent to participate in the study. Able to communicate effectively in the language used for study procedures.

Exclusion Criteria:

Individuals with known neurological or psychiatric disorders affecting pain perception.

Pregnant individuals or those breastfeeding at the time of the study. History of severe allergies or adverse reactions to local anesthetics or EEG gel.

Presence of significant medical conditions that may contraindicate dental procedures or EEG recordings.

Individuals taking medications that could significantly affect pain perception (e.g., strong analgesics, sedatives).

Any contraindications for dental procedures or EEG recordings as determined by the study's dental and medical professionals.

Inability to understand and follow study instructions.

Where this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio

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 Acute PulpitisAcute pulpitsElectroencephalographyNumerical rate scaleInferior Alveolar Nerve Block
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.