Date of Award
Spring 1-1-2013
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Olsen, Kris
Second Advisor
Gaffney, Joseph
Third Advisor
Hefti, Arthur
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this randomized, double-blind pilot study was to determine the effect of dexamethasone on post-operative pain when used as an intracanal rinse prior to obturation.
Materials and Methods: Nine adult volunteers consented to enroll. They presented to the Marquette University School of Dentistry Endodontic Department with a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis. Patients recorded their baseline pain levels on the numering [sic] rating scale (NRS). Patients were randomly assigned to either experimental or control group. Patients in the experimental group received 4 mg/mL dexamethasone solution as a final rinse prior to obturation were as patients in the control group received saline as a final rinse. Patients recorded their pain levels at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-operatively. Means and standard deviations were calculated. Treatment effects were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at p<.05.
Results: Eight patients returned the participation forms. Pain reduction after endodontic treatment was statistically significant (p=0.039). There was no significant difference in post-operative pain between the control and experimental groups (p-0.789).
Conclusion: The patient sample size was not large enough to state any conclusions with confidence. However, endodontic treatment remains an effective means of reducing post-operative pain.