Could a simple pill replace the drill for toothache emergencies?
NCT ID NCT02629042
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compared an oral steroid (prednisolone) to a partial root canal for relieving severe tooth pain from pulpitis. Only 5 adults with a painful lower molar took part. The goal was to see if the pill could reduce pain enough to delay the full root canal by 72 hours, potentially making the procedure less painful and more convenient.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- prednisolone
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simpler, less painful way to manage severe toothache before a full root canal.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very small trial (only 5 participants) and results may not apply to everyone. The drug may not control pain as well as the standard procedure.
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
-
CHU de Bordeaux
Bordeaux, 33000, France
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- AI predicts dental numbing success in painful tooth condition
- New dental shot may ease pain for kids with toothaches
- New study aims to make root canals less painful
- Ice and cold saline may ease pain after root canal or pulp treatment
- Saliva test could spot tooth nerve inflammation
- Toothache breakthrough: blood test may predict need for root canal