Effect of premedication with Ibuprofen and Dexamethasone on success rate of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block for teeth with Irreversible pulpitis

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare two kinds of anti-inflammatory medicine (dexamethasone and ibuprofen) with a placebo according to their effects on the success rates of IANB for endodontic treatment of mandibular molars with irreversible pulpitis. Methods: All patients were divided into three groups of 55 patients each and were given a capsule of the same color and size (either a placebo of lactose powder, 400 mg ibuprofen or 0.5mg dexamethasone). After 1 hour of oral administration of the capsules, all patients received standard IANB. In IANB successful patients, the teeth were examined with cold pulp test, and the patients were asked to assess their pain using the VAS. Then, endodontic access cavity preparation started. In case of pain during the treatment, patients were asked to rate the pain on VAS. Success was defined as no or mild pain during treatment. Chi-square and ANOVA tests were used to compare qualitative and quantitative data between the groups. Results: No significant differences were found between sex and pretreatment pain among the patients in the three groups (p > 0.05). The dexamethasone group showed significant higher success rate compared with the placebo group (p=0.001). There was no significant difference between ibuprofen and placebo groups (p=0.055) or between dexamethasone and ibuprofen groups (p=0.34). conclusion: Premedication with ibuprofen increased the success rate of IANB for the mandibular molar with irreversible pulpitis however there was no significant difference with placebo (p=0/055).