Toothache relief: could a pill before the dentist make root canals Pain-Free?
NCT ID NCT05982392
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether taking tramadol or naproxen sodium one hour before a dental procedure helps local anesthesia work better and reduces pain afterward. 139 adults with severe tooth inflammation (irreversible pulpitis) in a lower molar were randomly given one of the two drugs or a placebo. The main goal was to see if these pre-treatment pills made the numbing injection more effective and lowered pain during and 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
- Tramadol and Naproxen Sodium
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could offer a simple way to reduce pain during and after root canal treatment for people with severe tooth inflammation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial. Results may not apply to all dental patients, and pain relief varies by individual. Side effects from these drugs are possible.
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 2/3
Runs two stages together: whether the treatment works, then large-scale confirmation.
- Participants
-
139 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Mar 2023
- Finished
-
Aug 2023
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * ASA I and ASA II individuals who are between the ages of 18 and 60 years. * Patients who have been diagnosed with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (with either a normal periapex or symptomatic apical periodontitis). * Patients who score moderate to severe (4-10) on a preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS= 1-10). * Mandibular permanent molars. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who had taken painkillers or narcotics in the previous 12 hours * Patients suffering from severe pain because of traumatic occlusion. * Teeth with extensive damage, calcified canals, root resorption, and an open apex. * Previously root canal treated teeth. * Medically compromised patients (ASA-III and above) * Those with special communication needs or who do not understand Urdu or English language. * Pregnant and lactating women * Individual patients who will be driving back alone * Patients who are allergic to the prescribed medicines
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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
-
Dow International Dental College
Karachi, Sindh, 75500, Pakistan
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