Abstract
Introduction
Accurate diagnosis is one of the most important steps before endodontic treatment.
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 2 commonly used analgesics namely
ibuprofen and acetaminophen on the cold and electric pulp test (EPT) results in participants
with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP).
Methods
This clinical trial evaluated 41 participants with pain due to SIP. The cold test
and EPT were performed for teeth with SIP, and also for the corresponding tooth with
healthy pulp in the contralateral quadrant. The participants then received 500 mg
acetaminophen, 400 mg ibuprofen, or the placebo in the 3 groups. The cold test and
EPT were repeated at 20, 40, and 60 minutes after medication intake, and the results
were compared with the pretreatment values.
Results
In the acetaminophen group, the results of cold test significantly decreased 40 (P < .05), and 60 (P < .05) minutes after analgesic intake in teeth with SIP and after 40 minutes (P < .05) in the corresponding contralateral teeth with healthy pulp. In the ibuprofen
group, the cold test results significantly decreased at 20 (P < .05), 40 (P < .05), and 60 (P < .05) minutes after analgesic intake in teeth with SIP and after 40 minutes (P < .05) in the corresponding contralateral teeth with healthy pulp. The EPT results
were not significantly affected by the studied analgesics at any time point (P > .05). There was no significant difference among the study groups regarding sex
(P > .05).
Conclusion
It appears that both acetaminophen and ibuprofen can affect the pulpal response to
the cold sensibility test. However, the studied medications had no significant effect
on the EPT results. Therefore, dental clinicians should be aware of the possible effects
of such medications on the cold test response.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: January 16, 2023
Identification
Copyright
© 2023 American Association of Endodontists.
