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Comparison Between Dexamethasone and Ibuprofen for Postoperative Pain Prevention and Control After Surgical Implant Placement: A Double‐Masked, Parallel‐Group, Placebo‐Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial
Author(s) -
Bahammam Maha A.,
Kayal Rayyan A.,
Alasmari Dhafer S.,
Attia Mai S.,
Bahammam Laila A.,
Hassan Mona H.,
Alzoman Hamad A.,
Almas Khalid,
Steffens Joao Paulo
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2016.160353
Subject(s) - medicine , placebo , ibuprofen , dexamethasone , anesthesia , visual analogue scale , randomized controlled trial , acetaminophen , clinical trial , clinical endpoint , adverse effect , implant , surgery , alternative medicine , pathology , pharmacology
Background: Postoperative pain is a potential adverse side effect of oral surgeries, and attempts should be made to prevent or minimize it. This study compares efficacy of preemptive ibuprofen and dexamethasone protocols for pain prevention or control after surgical implant placement. Methods: This prospective, double‐masked, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial included 117 patients with planned dental implant placement. Patients were assigned to receive one of three different protocols: 1) 600 mg ibuprofen 1 hour before surgery and another 600 mg 6 hours after the first dose; 2) 4 mg dexamethasone 1 hour before surgery and another 4 mg 6 hours after the first dose; or 3) placebo. Rescue medication (1,000 mg acetaminophen) was made available to each patient, and they were instructed to take it as necessary. Pain intensity was evaluated via a 101‐point numeric rating scale and a visual analog scale, and discomfort was evaluated using a four‐point verbal rating scale hourly for the first 8 hours after surgery and three times daily for the following 3 days. Results: Ibuprofen and dexamethasone significantly reduced pain (Kruskal–Wallis; P <0.05) up to 3 days after surgery and discomfort ( P <0.05) up to 2 days after surgery compared with placebo treatment. Both treatments reduced the number of painkillers taken and increased time before the first painkiller was taken ( P <0.01). Conclusion: Steroidal dexamethasone is as effective as non‐steroidal ibuprofen for preventing or controlling postoperative pain and discomfort after surgical implant placement.