Local Dexamethasone Administration in Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Saline (0.9%, sterile, for infusion), Dexamethasone, Dexamethasone.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis (SIP), Dental Pain. Basic parameters: 18 years — 65 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Turkey (Türkiye)
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Comparison of the Effects of Submucosal and Intraligamentary Dexamethasone Administration on Anesthetic Success and Pain Control in Patients With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Overview
Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is associated with a high incidence of inadequate pulpal anesthesia during endodontic treatment, particularly in mandibular molar teeth. Failure to achieve profound anesthesia may result in increased intraoperative pain and patient discomfort. Corticosteroids have been suggested as adjunctive agents to improve pain control and reduce inflammatory responses; however, the influence of different local administration techniques on anesthetic success and postoperative pain remains unclear. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to compare the effects of submucosal and intraligamentary dexamethasone administration on anesthetic success and pain control in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. A total of 84 participants requiring root canal treatment of mandibular first or second molars diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis will be randomly allocated to one of three groups: (1) inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) followed by submucosal saline injection (control group), (2) IANB followed by submucosal dexamethasone injection, and (3) IANB followed by intraligamentary dexamethasone injection. All participants will receive standardized endodontic treatment under local anesthesia. The primary outcome measure is anesthetic success during access cavity preparation and pulp extirpation. Secondary outcome measures include postoperative pain intensity at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, and postoperative analgesic consumption. The results of this study may provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of different local dexamethasone administration techniques and contribute to improved pain management strategies in endodontic practice.
Detailed description
Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is associated with a high incidence of failure of inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia, particularly in mandibular molars, resulting in pain during endodontic treatment and the frequent need for supplemental anesthesia. Corticosteroids have been investigated as adjunctive agents because of their anti-inflammatory properties and their potential to improve anesthetic success and reduce postoperative pain. However, limited evidence is available regarding the influence of different local administration techniques on these outcomes.
This prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial aims to compare the effects of submucosal and intraligamentary administration of dexamethasone on anesthetic success and postoperative pain following inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of mandibular first or second molars.
Eighty-four participants will be randomly allocated into three parallel groups (28 participants per group):
Group 1 (Control): Inferior alveolar nerve block followed by submucosal injection of normal saline (placebo).
Group 2: Inferior alveolar nerve block followed by submucosal injection of dexamethasone.
Group 3: Inferior alveolar nerve block followed by intraligamentary injection of dexamethasone.
The primary outcome is anesthetic success, assessed using the Heft-Parker Visual Analog Scale (HP-VAS) during access cavity preparation and pulp extirpation. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain intensity assessed using the HP-VAS at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment, as well as the need for postoperative analgesic medication. The findings of this study may help identify the most effective local administration technique for dexamethasone to improve anesthetic success and postoperative pain management in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.
Interventions
- Drug Saline (0.9%, sterile, for infusion)
Normal saline is administered submucosally following inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis undergoing root canal treatment. - Drug Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone (8 mg/2 mL) is administered submucosally following inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis undergoing root canal treatment. - Drug Dexamethasone
Dexamethasone (8 mg/2 mL) is administered intraligamentarily following inferior alveolar nerve block in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis undergoing root canal treatment.
Primary outcome measures
- Success of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block Anesthesia [Time frame: Periprocedural (during access cavity preparation and pulp extirpation)]
Secondary outcome measures (2)
- Postoperative Pain Intensity [Time frame: 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment]
- Need for Postoperative Analgesic Medication [Time frame: Up to 72 hours after treatment]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Patients aged 18 to 65 years.
- ASA I or ASA II systemic health status.
- Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in a mandibular molar tooth.
- Positive response to pulp sensibility tests.
- Preoperative pain score greater than 54 mm on the Heft-Parker Visual Analog Scale (HP-VAS).
- Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnancy or lactation.
- Allergy or contraindication to articaine, dexamethasone, or study-related medications.
- Use of analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or antibiotics within the previous 12 hours.
- Presence of periapical radiolucency or diagnosis of pulpal necrosis.
- Significant systemic disease (ASA III or higher).
- Inability to complete pain assessment forms or follow study procedures.
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
Study locations
Turkey (Türkiye) · 1 center
- Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry — Istanbul
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07672873 · SIPDEX2026