Comparison of the Effects of Celecoxib, Naproxen and Ibuprofen on Pain Control after Periodontal Surgeries

Effective pain management after dental surgeries is one of the most common problems in dentistry. Ibuprofen is the most common non selective non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2. Celecoxib is a COX-2 specific NSAID and also the only COX-2 specific drug available in Iran. Naproxen is a non selective NSAID that is often used for postoperative pain management all around the world; however, it is not the first choice in our country. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Celecoxib, Naproxen, and Ibuprofen in pain control after periodontal surgery. This double-blind clinical trial study included a total of 30 patients who presented with chronic periodontitis and who underwent surgical procedures on the anterior sextant of the mandible. They were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 10 patients. Each group received one of the following medication protocols: Group A: 400 mg Ibuprofen, group B: 200 mg Celecoxib, Group C: 250 mg Naproxen. Patients reported their pain levels using a VAS (visual analog scale) at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after periodontal surgery. All data were analyzed by SPSS Ver 15 program. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests, respectively. Statistical analysis of the data showed no significant differences between Ibuprofen, Celecoxib, and Naproxen after 1, 6, 12, 24, or 48 hours after the surgery. Significant differences were seen only at the third hour after surgery between Celecoxib and Naproxen and between Ibuprofen and Naproxen. Considering the lower rate of side effects of Celecoxib its similar degree of pain reduction as Ibuprofen, and its better efficiency than Naproxen, Celecoxib can be considered an appropriate drug for pain control after periodontal surgeries.