Evaluation of Trans-mucosal Bio-adhesive Discs of Diclofenac Potassium on the Anesthetic Success and Postoperative Pain in Patients With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

One of the challenging goals of root canal therapy is to relieve the pain associated with irreversible pulp inflammation. Pain control especially in the early stages of treatment, is critical and can enhance the confidence of both the patient and the dentist. Irreversible pulpitis pain is sometimes difficult to be managed through the use of local anesthetics solely. Inadequate pain control during treatment may contribute to the development of peripheral and central sensitization leading to greater pain during recovery. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the failure of local anesthetics including anatomic variations such as; cross innervations and accessory innervations, tachyphylaxis of anesthetic solutions, and activation of nociceptors including tetrodotoxin (TTX).Strategies to control intra-operative endodontic pain include preoperative administration of analgesics, supplemental infiltrations, the use of different local anesthetic solutions, intra-osseous and periodontal injections, a repeat inferior alveolar nerve block. Prescribing drugs prior to treatment may enhance the patient's attitude and reduce the apprehension during endodontic therapy. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common category of medications recommended for pain relief. They act by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis by inhibition of cyclooxygenase pathway. Although, pulpectomy and removal of the inflamed pulpal tissues eliminates endodontic pain, post-operative pain and discomfort are common side effects. Many patients may still experience mild to extreme pain even after therapy. Diclofenac has shown a substantial reduction of post-endodontic pain when administered preoperatively in a single oral dose since it holds anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic effects. It acts primarily by inhibition of COX 1 and COX 2, thus inhibiting the prostaglandin synthesis. COX 1 is expressed throughout the body and has a role in protection of stomach mucosa, kidney function and platelet action. Numerous studies have clearly documented that the risk of upper gastrointestinal complications increases with increasing doses as well as increasing frequency of use. Additionally, when taken through oral route, only 50% of the absorbed dose of Diclofenac becomes available systematically, due to its first pass metabolism. Trans-mucosal drug delivery offers distinct advantages over oral administration such as avoiding hepatic first-pass metabolism, less dosing frequency, improved patient compliance, reduction in fluctuation in steady-state levels. In addition, there is a reduced intensity of local or systemic side effects, increased safety margin and maximum utilization of drug and reduction in the total amount of drug administered while achieving target delivery in odontogenic region.