Could a simple steroid shot make root canals less painful?
NCT ID NCT07699315
First seen Jul 13, 2026 · Last updated Aug 25, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This trial investigates whether a single injection of dexamethasone, a steroid, given before a root canal can lower pain during the procedure. It includes adults with severe tooth pain from symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Participants receive either dexamethasone or a placebo, and pain levels are measured using a standard scale.
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 many patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study, so results may not apply to everyone. Dexamethasone may not reduce pain for all patients, and there are risks with any injection.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 4
Runs after approval, following long-term safety and how well the treatment works in everyday use.
- Participants
-
About 60 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Aug 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 60 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with pain VAS \>/= 6 2. Carious exposed mandibular molar with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis 3. Patients between ages 18-60 years 4. American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or II medical histories - Exclusion Criteria: 1\. Patients with contraindications to local anesthesia solution or dexamethasone 2.Pregnant or breast-feeding females 4.Tooth having fused/extra roots, full coverage crowns, or poor periodontal status 5. Patients taking drugs which could affect the pain perception \-
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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