Could a steroid injection make root canals less painful?
NCT ID NCT07672873
First seen Jun 29, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether injecting the steroid dexamethasone near the tooth ligament or under the gum helps numb the tooth better and reduces pain during root canal treatment. It includes 84 adults with severe, irreversible pulpitis in a lower molar. Participants receive one of three injections after a standard numbing shot: saline (placebo), dexamethasone under the gum, or dexamethasone near the tooth ligament. The goal is to see which method improves anesthesia success and lowers pain after the procedure.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Dexamethasone
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple way to make root canal treatments less painful for people with severe tooth inflammation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with 84 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drug may not improve pain control over standard care.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry
RECRUITINGIstanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
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