New approach aims to slash opioid use after wisdom tooth surgery

NCT ID NCT04414917

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a jaw muscle nerve block (Twin block) and a smart pill dispenser (iPill) can reduce opioid use after wisdom tooth removal. About 133 adults will be enrolled. The nerve block aims to ease pain right after surgery, while the dispenser only releases opioids when pain is severe, based on a phone app. The goal is to lower opioid consumption and misuse.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Twin block (dental local anesthetic) and iPill dispenser (active pill dispenser)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could reduce opioid prescriptions and misuse after wisdom tooth extractions, especially in young people.
What could go wrong: This is a small Phase 2 trial that is currently suspended, so results are uncertain. The nerve block and pill dispenser may not significantly cut opioid use in practice.

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.

Pain, Postoperative

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PAIN, POSTOPERATIVE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Rutgers Health University Dental Associates

New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08901, United States

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