Management of endodontic pain with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

The ability of two nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents—piroxicam and diclofenac—to control endodontic pain was compared with that of a placebo control in a double-blind study of 267 patients requiring endodontic therapy. Endodontic treatment was carried out over three visits with an interval of 5 to 7 days between each two consecutive visits. All patients were clearly instructed to take the medication only if they experienced pain, between the visits or postoperatively, for 3 consecutive days. The patients subjectively rated their pain on a scale of 1 to 4 as none, mild, moderate, or severe. The ratings were done preoperatively and at 2, 4, and 8 hours after the initial dose of medication was taken, as well as on the second and third days. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that both piroxicam and diclofenac significantly reduced the mean pain score at the end of all observations and were significantly superior to the placebo until the end of the study. More than 90% of the patients treated with piroxicam and more than 80% of the patients treated with diclofenac showed complete relief of pain. Overall, piroxicam was clearly more effective than diclofenac or the placebo. It provided more consistent relief of pain, beginning 2 hours after the initial dose, and it continued to do so at every interval thereafter. Diclofenac required longer time to reach maximum effectiveness. Piroxicam's superiority was greater at the first and second days after the initial dose of medication was taken. With respect to side effects, piroxicam was better tolerated by the patients. However, the mild side effects that were reported by the patients during the short-term use of both medications are unlikely to produce harmful results. Therefore, none of the prescribed medications was discontinued.