Efficacy of pre-operative submucosal injection of dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide on post-operative pain following endodontic treatment of teeth with irreversible pulpitis: A randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Post-endodontic pain is a challenge to clinicians. In this context the evidence for use of preoperative medication is not consistent. The study's objective is to assess the effects of dexamethasone and triamcinolone acetonide administered submucosally in single doses on postoperative pain following single-visit root canal treatment for teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Thirty patients were randomly allocated in three groups. Group I received saline (control), Group II received dexamethasone (8mg) and Group III received triamcinolone acetonide (40mg) before endodontic treatment was initiated. Root canal treatment was performed in a single appointment for all the participants. Post-operative pain was assessed using Heft-Parker visual analogue scale (HP VAS). Comparison of HP VAS scores was done using Kruskal Wallis Test and Mann Whitney Test. There was no significant difference in the mean HP VAS scores between 3 groups at pre-op period (P=0.74). At 6,12 and 24h post-operative period the mean HP VAS scores in Group 2 and 3 was significantly lesser as compared to Group 1. Corticosteroid preoperative dosages led to a reduction in post endodontic pain after single visit root canal treatment of teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.