Preemptive analgesia after impacted third molar extraction

OBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodic naproxen as pre-emptive medication to decrease the post-operative pain after the surgical extraction of mandibular impacted third molars.METHODSThis randomized clinical trial comprised thirty (40) adult patients of both genders(20 male and 20 female) with no local or systemic problems, with bilateral impacted lower third molars in similar position (Pell and Gregory’s class IIB), where surgical extraction had been indicated. These patients were separated in two groups at random: the study group (naproxen 220 mg one hour before the extraction) and the control group (naproxen 220 mg at the end of the extraction). Both group received naproxen 220 mg 6 and 16 hours after the extraction.The pain was evaluated by VAS modified in GRS at 0, 6 and 16 h.Mean values were compared between the 2 groups with a 2-way analysis of variance and a Student’s t-test or the χ2 test for qualitative comparisons. The threshold of significance was set at 5%. RESULTSThe mean VAS values were 2.42±1.64, 3.17±1.75 e 2.52±1.51.Analysis of variance at 6 and 16 h after operation showed that there was less pain on the pre-emptive side (p< 0.001 and p< 0.023)while analysis of variance at 0 was not significant.CONCLUSIONSThe results confirm the efficacy of sodic naproxen in providing a more comfortable postoperative course after surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars.If used as pre-emptive medication sodic naproxen has an effective pain control.