Irreversible PulpitisPhase 4DIPI-PEPNCT07565012
Comparative Evaluation of Diclofenac Sodium and Ibuprofen for Post-Endodontic Pain Management
A Phase 4 study testing Ibuprofen and Diclofenac sodium in people with Irreversible Pulpitis and Post-endodontic Pain, run by Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Pakistan at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Diclofenac sodium and Ibuprofen in reducing pain after root canal treatment. Post-endodontic pain is a common complication following treatment of irreversible pulpitis and may affect patient comfort and recovery. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Irreversible Pulpitis, Post-endodontic Pain, Root Canal Treatment
- What is being tested?
- Ibuprofen and Diclofenac sodium
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 1 Oct 2025to 25 Mar 2026
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients diagnosed with Irreversible Pulpitis involving a single maxillary or mandibular first molar Age between 18 and 65 years Patients requiring single-visit root canal treatment Patients able to understand and record pain using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Systemically healthy individuals (ASA I-II) Willingness to participate and provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- Pregnant or lactating women Presence of periapical pathology on radiographic examination Patients with generalized periodontal disease affecting prognosis Use of analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs within 6 hours prior to treatment Known allergy to Ibuprofen, Diclofenac sodium, or other NSAIDs Patients on medications affecting pain perception (e.g., opioids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants) History of drug abuse or substance dependence Non-vital pulp detected during access opening or instrumentation Inability to complete endodontic treatment in a single visit Failure to achieve proper bleeding response confirming diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Diclofenac Sodium and Ibuprofen in the Management of Post-Endodontic Pain Following Single-Visit Root Canal Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Diclofenac sodium and Ibuprofen in reducing pain after root canal treatment. Post-endodontic pain is a common complication following treatment of irreversible pulpitis and may affect patient comfort and recovery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to manage postoperative dental pain due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
A total of 60 adult participants diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis involving a single first molar will undergo single-visit root canal therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either diclofenac sodium 50 mg or ibuprofen 400 mg immediately after treatment. Pain levels will be recorded using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours following treatment. The use of rescue analgesics will also be documented.
The study aims to determine which medication provides better pain relief and reduces the need for additional analgesics following endodontic treatment. Findings from this study may help guide clinicians in selecting the most effective medication for postoperative pain management in dental practice.
Read the detailed description
Post-endodontic pain is a frequently encountered complication following root canal therapy and may occur due to inflammatory responses caused by mechanical instrumentation, chemical irritation, or microbial factors affecting the periapical tissues. Effective pain management following endodontic procedures is important for improving patient comfort, treatment satisfaction, and recovery.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed for dental pain because they inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes responsible for prostaglandin synthesis, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. Among NSAIDs, diclofenac sodium and ibuprofen are widely used due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, differences in pharmacological action, tissue penetration, potency, and duration of effect may influence their comparative effectiveness in controlling post-endodontic pain.
This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A total of 60 participants aged 18-65 years diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis involving a single maxillary or mandibular first molar will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups. One group will receive diclofenac sodium 50 mg, while the other group will receive ibuprofen 400 mg following completion of single-visit root canal therapy.
Standardized endodontic procedures will be performed by an experienced operator under local anesthesia using 2% lidocaine with epinephrine. Root canal preparation, irrigation, obturation, and temporary restoration will be completed using standardized techniques to minimize procedural variability.
Pain intensity will be assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before treatment and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment. Participants will maintain a pain diary to record pain levels and rescue analgesic intake. Secondary outcomes include the frequency of rescue medication use and monitoring of adverse effects.
Data analysis will be performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical methods will be applied following assessment of data normality. Comparative analysis between treatment groups will evaluate differences in postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic requirements.
The results of this study may provide evidence regarding the comparative analgesic efficacy of diclofenac sodium and ibuprofen in endodontic pain management. This may support clinicians in selecting optimal postoperative analgesic protocols for patients undergoing root canal treatment.
- Being tested
- Ibuprofen, Diclofenac sodium
- Keywords
- Endodontic Therapy, Post-Endodontic Pain, Diclofenac sodium, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Visual Analogue Scale, Irreversible Pulpitis, Randomized Controlled Trial
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
IbuprofenDrug
Also called Ibuprofen 400 mg
Participants assigned to this intervention will receive 400 mg oral ibuprofen immediately after completion of single-visit root canal treatment. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for postoperative pain management due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Pain intensity will be monitored using the Visual Analogue Scale at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment.
Diclofenac sodiumDrug
Participants assigned to this intervention will receive 50 mg oral diclofenac sodium immediately after completion of single-visit root canal treatment. Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties used for postoperative pain control. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours following treatment.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen Group | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm will receive a single oral dose of 400 mg of Ibuprofen immediately after completion of single-visit root canal treatment. Pain intensity will be recorded using the Visual Analogue Scale at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-treatment. Rescue analgesic intake will also be documented. Receives: Drug: Ibuprofen |
| Diclofenac Sodium Group | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm will receive a single oral dose of 50 mg of Diclofenac sodium immediately after completion of single-visit root canal treatment. Pain intensity will be recorded using the Visual Analogue Scale at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-treatment. Rescue analgesic intake will also be documented. Receives: Drug: Diclofenac sodium |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Postoperative Pain Intensity Following Root Canal Treatment
Postoperative pain intensity will be assessed using a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to compare the analgesic effectiveness of Diclofenac sodium and Ibuprofen following single-visit root canal treatment. Participants will record pain scores at predefined intervals after treatment.
Measured: 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after completion of root canal treatment
Secondary outcomes (1)
Rescue Analgesic Consumption Following Root Canal Treatment
The frequency and quantity of rescue analgesic intake will be recorded to evaluate additional pain medication requirements in participants receiving either diclofenac sodium or ibuprofen after endodontic treatment.
Measured: Within 48 hours after completion of root canal treatment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted4 May 2026
- Study start1 Oct 2025
- Primary completion12 Mar 2026
- Study completion25 Mar 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Irreversible PulpitisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups receiving either diclofenac sodium 50 mg or ibuprofen 400 mg following single-visit root canal treatment. Outcomes are compared between groups over a 48-hour postoperative period.
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Pakistan
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Neena Asad, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Pakistan
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07565012
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AFID-OPER-PEP-2025-01
- Other IDs
- IRB Approval Number
- Acronym
- DIPI-PEP
- Status last verified
- Oct 2025
- First submitted
- 27 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 4 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 4 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Diclofenac Sodium and Ibuprofen in the Management of Post-Endodontic Pain Following Single-Visit Root Canal Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07565012
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- DIPI-PEP / AFID-OPER-PEP-2025-01
- Keywords
- Endodontic Therapy, Post-Endodontic Pain, Diclofenac sodium, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Visual Analogue Scale, Irreversible Pulpitis, Randomized Controlled Trial
- Phase
- Phase 4
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, PakistanUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Oct 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 12 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 25 Mar 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 4 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Diclofenac sodium and Ibuprofen in reducing pain after root canal treatment. Post-endodontic pain is a common complication following treatment of irreversible pulpitis and may affect patient comfort and recovery. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed to manage postoperative dental pain due to their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
A total of 60 adult participants diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis involving a single first molar will undergo single-visit root canal therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either diclofenac sodium 50 mg or ibuprofen 400 mg immediately after treatment. Pain levels will be recorded using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours following treatment. The use of rescue analgesics will also be documented.
The study aims to determine which medication provides better pain relief and reduces the need for additional analgesics following endodontic treatment. Findings from this study may help guide clinicians in selecting the most effective medication for postoperative pain management in dental practice.
Detailed description
Post-endodontic pain is a frequently encountered complication following root canal therapy and may occur due to inflammatory responses caused by mechanical instrumentation, chemical irritation, or microbial factors affecting the periapical tissues. Effective pain management following endodontic procedures is important for improving patient comfort, treatment satisfaction, and recovery.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly prescribed for dental pain because they inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes responsible for prostaglandin synthesis, thereby reducing inflammation and pain. Among NSAIDs, diclofenac sodium and ibuprofen are widely used due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. However, differences in pharmacological action, tissue penetration, potency, and duration of effect may influence their comparative effectiveness in controlling post-endodontic pain.
This randomized controlled trial will be conducted at the Department of Operative Dentistry, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A total of 60 participants aged 18-65 years diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis involving a single maxillary or mandibular first molar will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups. One group will receive diclofenac sodium 50 mg, while the other group will receive ibuprofen 400 mg following completion of single-visit root canal therapy.
Standardized endodontic procedures will be performed by an experienced operator under local anesthesia using 2% lidocaine with epinephrine. Root canal preparation, irrigation, obturation, and temporary restoration will be completed using standardized techniques to minimize procedural variability.
Pain intensity will be assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before treatment and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment. Participants will maintain a pain diary to record pain levels and rescue analgesic intake. Secondary outcomes include the frequency of rescue medication use and monitoring of adverse effects.
Data analysis will be performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. Appropriate descriptive and inferential statistical methods will be applied following assessment of data normality. Comparative analysis between treatment groups will evaluate differences in postoperative pain scores and rescue analgesic requirements.
The results of this study may provide evidence regarding the comparative analgesic efficacy of diclofenac sodium and ibuprofen in endodontic pain management. This may support clinicians in selecting optimal postoperative analgesic protocols for patients undergoing root canal treatment.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants are randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups receiving either diclofenac sodium 50 mg or ibuprofen 400 mg following single-visit root canal treatment. Outcomes are compared between groups over a 48-hour postoperative period.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen Group | Experimental | Drug: IbuprofenParticipants assigned to this arm will receive a single oral dose of 400 mg of Ibuprofen immediately after completion of single-visit root canal treatment. Pain intensity will be recorded using the Visual Analogue Scale at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-treatment. Rescue analgesic intake will also be documented. |
| Diclofenac Sodium Group | Experimental | Drug: Diclofenac sodiumParticipants assigned to this arm will receive a single oral dose of 50 mg of Diclofenac sodium immediately after completion of single-visit root canal treatment. Pain intensity will be recorded using the Visual Analogue Scale at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-treatment. Rescue analgesic intake will also be documented. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Patients diagnosed with Irreversible Pulpitis involving a single maxillary or mandibular first molar Age between 18 and 65 years Patients requiring single-visit root canal treatment Patients able to understand and record pain using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Systemically healthy individuals (ASA I-II) Willingness to participate and provide informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Pregnant or lactating women Presence of periapical pathology on radiographic examination Patients with generalized periodontal disease affecting prognosis Use of analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs within 6 hours prior to treatment Known allergy to Ibuprofen, Diclofenac sodium, or other NSAIDs Patients on medications affecting pain perception (e.g., opioids, antidepressants, anticonvulsants) History of drug abuse or substance dependence Non-vital pulp detected during access opening or instrumentation Inability to complete endodontic treatment in a single visit Failure to achieve proper bleeding response confirming diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| IbuprofenAlso: Ibuprofen 400 mgParticipants assigned to this intervention will receive 400 mg oral ibuprofen immediately after completion of single-visit root canal treatment. Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for postoperative pain management due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Pain intensity will be monitored using the Visual Analogue Scale at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after treatment. | Drug | Ibuprofen Group |
| Diclofenac sodiumParticipants assigned to this intervention will receive 50 mg oral diclofenac sodium immediately after completion of single-visit root canal treatment. Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties used for postoperative pain control. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours following treatment. | Drug | Diclofenac Sodium Group |
Primary outcome
Postoperative Pain Intensity Following Root Canal Treatment
Time frame: 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after completion of root canal treatment
Postoperative pain intensity will be assessed using a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to compare the analgesic effectiveness of Diclofenac sodium and Ibuprofen following single-visit root canal treatment. Participants will record pain scores at predefined intervals after treatment.
1 secondary outcome
Rescue Analgesic Consumption Following Root Canal Treatment
Time frame: Within 48 hours after completion of root canal treatment
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 4 May 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 4 study testing Ibuprofen and Diclofenac sodium in people with Irreversible Pulpitis and Post-endodontic Pain, run by Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Pakistan at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 4 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Postoperative Pain Intensity Following Root Canal Treatment (time frame: 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after completion of root canal treatment). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 4 May 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.