Effect of naproxen on postoperative pain in teeth with irreversible pulpitis

Effective post-operative pain management is one of the problems following root canal treatment. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly prescribed analgesics in endodontics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of naproxen in controlling pain following root canal treatment in teeth with irreversible pulpitis.

This triple-blinded clinical trial was performed on 68 patients admitted to dental school for root canal treatment (RCT). Patients were randomly allocated to treatment or placebo groups. After performing RCT, the patients received naproxen (275 mg every 12 hours for 48 hours) or placebo. Patients were instructed to complete a VAS pain score at 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after single visit root canal treatment. Patients were classified as having no, mild, moderate, or severe pain. Data were analyzed via SPSS software using chi-square and t-test.

Although there was a significant difference between naproxen prescription compared with placebo in 6 and 72 hour intervals, the effect of naproxen in controlling post endodontic pain in all intervals was more than placebo. In addition, the duration of pain was shorter in the subjects receiving naproxen.

Based on the results of the present study, naproxen could be suggested to control post endodontic pain in patients with irreversible pulpitis.