Could a simple jaw numbing injection cut opioid use after wisdom tooth removal?

NCT ID NCT04880707

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a numbing injection called Twin Block can reduce jaw muscle pain and the need for opioid painkillers after wisdom tooth removal. About 48 healthy adults who have jaw pain the day after surgery will receive either the Twin Block or a placebo. Researchers will track pain levels and painkiller use for a week to see if the injection helps.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine (standard dental anesthetic)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a simple, non-opioid way to manage jaw pain after wisdom tooth removal, reducing the risk of opioid addiction.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 48 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The placebo group may also show improvement, making it hard to prove the injection's benefit.

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.

Acute Pain myofascial pain syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ACUTE PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
RECRUITING

Newark, New Jersey, 07103, United States

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