Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Two Modes of Delivery of Diclofenac for the Management of Post-Endodontic Pain: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of two modes of delivery of diclofenac for the management of post-endodontic pain. Materials and Methods: This study comprised 30 patients reporting to the department with pain in their teeth. Pain was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS): group A (control group), group B (oral diclofenac), and group C (transdermal patch). A VAS was given to the patients in each group, and the severity of any pain was self-assessed by patients after 4 hrs, 8 hrs, 12 hrs, 24 hrs, and 48 hrs following the completion of treatment. Results: A comparison between group oral and diclofenac transdermal patch was carried out. The pain frequency was measured at 4 hrs, 8 hrs, 12 hrs, 24 hrs, and 48 hrs postoperatively with P values of 0.744, 0.035, 0.570, 0.060, and 0.508 and was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: Preoperative analgesics play an important role in reducing post-endodontic pain. Transdermal patches containing diclofenac show a promising analgesic modality in managing endodontic pain.