Comparative Evaluation of Diclofenac Sodium and Ibuprofen for Post-Endodontic Pain Management

Overview

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Diclofenac sodium and Ibuprofen in reducing pain after root canal treatment. Post-endodontic pain is a common complication following treatment of irreversible pulpitis and may affect patient comfort and recovery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to manage postoperative dental pain due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. A total of 60 adult participants diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis involving a single first molar will undergo single-visit root canal therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either diclofenac sodium 50 mg or ibuprofen 400 mg immediately after treatment. Pain levels will be recorded using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours following treatment. The use of rescue analgesics will also be documented. The study aims to determine which medication provides better pain relief and reduces the need for additional analgesics following endodontic treatment. Findings from this study may help guide clinicians in selecting the most effective medication for postoperative pain management in dental practice.

Post-endodontic pain is a frequently encountered complication following root canal therapy and may occur due to inflammatory responses caused by mechanical instrumentation, chemical irritation, or microbial factors affecting the periapical tissues. Effective pain management following endodontic procedures is important for improving patient comfort, treatment satisfaction, and recovery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed for dental pain because they inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes responsible for prostaglandin synthesis, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. Among NSAIDs, diclofenac sodium and ibuprofen are widely used due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, differences in pharmacological action, tissue penetration, potency, and duration of effect may influence their comparative effectiveness in controlling post-endodontic pain. This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A total of 60 participants aged 18-65 years diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis involving a single maxillary or mandibular first molar will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups. One group will receive diclofenac sodium 50 mg, while the other group will receive ibuprofen 400 mg following completion of single-visit root canal therapy. Standardized endodontic procedures will be performed by an experienced operator under local anesthesia using 2% lidocaine with epinephrine. Root canal preparation, irrigation, obturation, and temporary restoration will be completed using standardized techniques to minimize procedural variability. Pain intensity will be assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before treatment and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment. Participants will maintain a pain diary to record pain levels and rescue analgesic intake. Secondary outcomes include the frequency of rescue medication use and monitoring of adverse effects. Data analysis will be performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical methods will be applied following assessment of data normality. Comparative analysis between treatment groups will evaluate differences in postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic requirements. The results of this study may provide evidence regarding the comparative analgesic efficacy of diclofenac sodium and ibuprofen in endodontic pain management. This may support clinicians in selecting optimal postoperative analgesic protocols for patients undergoing root canal treatment.