Twin Block, Pain Medications and Third Molar Extractions

Launched by RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY · May 5, 2021

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to manage pain after having wisdom teeth (third molars) removed. Each year, many young adults undergo this common procedure, often receiving opioid medications to help with pain. However, there is a growing concern about the risks of addiction associated with opioids, even when used for a short time. Researchers are exploring the use of a technique called the Twin Block dental anesthetic injection, which numbs the muscles in the jaw that can cause pain. The goal is to see if this method can effectively reduce pain and the need for opioid medications after wisdom tooth extraction.

To participate in this study, individuals must be at least 18 years old, healthy, and scheduled for the removal of at least one lower wisdom tooth under sedation. Participants should not have any history of jaw pain or inflammation and must have access to a smartphone or computer for follow-up. After the surgery, those who experience significant jaw pain will receive either the Twin Block injection or a placebo (a treatment with no active medication) and will be monitored for pain levels and medication use over the following week. This study aims to find a safe and effective alternative to opioids for managing pain after this routine dental procedure.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • All patients requiring extraction/s of at least 1 lower wisdom (third) molar that is partially/fully 'impacted', under intravenous sedation, are eligible to participate in this study so long as they
• • 1. are older than 18 years of age,
• • 2. are healthy,
• • 3. have no cognitive/intellectual disability,
• • 4. have no past/recent pain or reduced range of motion in their jaw joint/ muscle complex, no trauma or surgery in their jaw region.
• • 5. have an electronic device such as a smart phone or a tablet/ computer with internet connection.
• • 6. are willing to participate in the study and not be excluded by the following criteria below.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• * Any patients, even if satisfying the criteria above, may not take part if they have any of the following:
• • 1. Compromised ability to guard their self-interest, for e.g., prisoners, children, pregnant women, patients with intellectual/cognitive disability are not enrolled in the study.
• • 2. Those patients who present with infection/inflammation involving the third molars slated for extractions, on the day of their procedure, may not take part in the study.
• • 3. In addition, those who have had opioid pain medication/s in the past to address short-term or long-standing pain, or those who are on long term prescription of anti-inflammatory pain medication, are unable to participate.
• • 4. Those with long standing pain of the jaw joint or muscles.
• • 5. Finally, those patients who are allergic to/unable to tolerate either the dental local anesthetic or its components, opioids, acetaminophen ('Tylenol') or ibuprofen ('Motrin' or 'Advil') also may not take part in the study.