Pharmacological Means of Pain Control during Separator Placement: A Systematic Review

Nujud A Sharawi, Ahmed Mohammed Hassan Somaili, Samar A Arishi, Raed Mh Somaili, Latifah Y Ghazwani, Ali Ha Sumayli, Mohammed Aa Sumayli, Mohammed A Jafer, Mona S Ghoussoub, Shankargouda Patil*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

AIM: To assess the effectiveness of adjuvant analgesics/anesthetics in pain control after separator placement compared with no medication.

BACKGROUND: Separator placement to create space for cementing bands is the first clinical procedure done in orthodontics. Pain in this stage can negatively affect patient compliance and trust in the clinician. To date, there is no universally accepted regimen for pain control.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. One hundred and thirty-two potentially relevant studies were found. A total of eight randomized clinical trials including 642 subjects were selected. Data were extracted into customized forms, and selected studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute.

RESULTS: Results showed the use of analgesics led to lower reported pain scores at almost all time intervals. NSAIDs resulted in a statistically significant reduction in pain compared to a control group.

CONCLUSION: According to the available literature, the use of analgesics is effective in controlling orthodontic pain due to separators. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen show a stable analgesic effect.

CLINICAL IMPLICATION: Acetaminophen 650 mg or ibuprofen 400 mg taken 1 hour prior to separator placement can reduce pain associated with the procedure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)316-323
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Contemporary Dental Practice
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2021

Keywords

  • Acetaminophen/therapeutic use
  • Analgesics, Non-Narcotic/therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Ibuprofen/therapeutic use
  • Pain
  • Pain Management
  • Pain Measurement
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

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