Role of Prophylactic Antibiotics in the Management of Postoperative Endodontic Pain

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim To investigate the efficacy of using antibiotics in post endodontic treatment as a method to alleviate post-treatment pain. Materials and methods After completion of endodontic treatment 129 patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (65 patients) received Ibuprofen 400 mg one tablet before procedure and one tablet every 8 hours for the first day, then one tablet once indicated by pain. Group B (64 patients) received the same regimen as group A in addition to amoxicillin, clavulanic acid tablets (one tablet before the procedure, and then one tablet twice daily for a total of 3 days). Intensity of pain at 8 hours interval using visual analog scale (VAS) and total number of Ibuprofen tablets used was recorded by patients. Results Peak postoperative pain occurred at 16 hours posttreatment in both groups, there was a significant difference in the pain scale between the two groups in favor for group B over group A (3.8 vs 2.1 respectively). Pain scale was significantly lower in group B at 24, 32, 40, and 48 hours post-treatment with a p-value of < 0.05. The pain scale at 56, 64 and 72 hours were also less in group B, although could not show up as statistical difference. Patients in group A used statistically significant more Ibuprofen than patients in group B (486 vs 402). Conclusion Antibiotic prescription to manage post endodontic treatment pain results in less pain with less consumption of Ibuprofens. Clinical significance Pain management in endodontics is a real challenge, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are used effectively in many patients to alleviate post endodontic pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may have adverse reactions or may be contraindicated. Short-term use of antibiotics to alleviate pain can be of clinical benefits in these patients. How to cite this article Alsomadi L, Al Habahbeh R. Role of Prophylactic Antibiotics in the Management of Postoperative Endodontic Pain. J Contemp Dent Pract 2015;16(12):939-943.