OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the use of a preoperative single oral dose of dexamethasone for the prevention and control of postendodontic pain. STUDY DESIGN:Forty-seven patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: placebo and dexamethasone (4 mg). The medications were administered 1 hour before the start of endodontic treatment. Postoperative pain was assessed after 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours. RESULTS:Dexamethasone resulted in a statistically significant reduction in postendodontic pain at 4 and 12 hours (P < .05). However, no statistical difference (P > .05) was observed at 24 and 48 hours (Mann-Whitney test). The placebo group exhibited higher rescue medication intake (P < .05; Student t test). No side effects were reported for any of the medications used. CONCLUSION: Preoperative single oral dose of dexamethasone substantially reduced postendodontic pain. Further studies are needed to evaluate the applicability of these findings to other clinical conditions and drug regimens.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the use of a preoperative single oral dose of dexamethasone for the prevention and control of postendodontic pain. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-seven patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: placebo and dexamethasone (4 mg). The medications were administered 1 hour before the start of endodontic treatment. Postoperative pain was assessed after 4, 12, 24, and 48 hours. RESULTS:Dexamethasone resulted in a statistically significant reduction in postendodontic pain at 4 and 12 hours (P < .05). However, no statistical difference (P > .05) was observed at 24 and 48 hours (Mann-Whitney test). The placebo group exhibited higher rescue medication intake (P < .05; Student t test). No side effects were reported for any of the medications used. CONCLUSION: Preoperative single oral dose of dexamethasone substantially reduced postendodontic pain. Further studies are needed to evaluate the applicability of these findings to other clinical conditions and drug regimens.
Authors: Marc García-Font; Fernando Duran-Sindreu; Carmen Calvo; Juan Basilio; Fransesc Abella; Akram Ali; Miguel Roig; Juan-Gonzalo Olivieri Journal: J Clin Exp Dent Date: 2017-07-01