Effectiveness of Premedication on the Success Rate of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block

Purpose: The aim of this prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial is to compare the effect of oral premedication of dexamethasone, ketorolac, meloxicam, ibuprofen or placebo on the success of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) of mandibular posterior teeth in patients experiencing symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Methods: The trial will include five study groups, each consists of 50 patients who exhibits symptomatic irreversible pulpitis of a mandibular first or second molar. The patients will receive identically appearing capsules containing either dexamethasone 0.5 mg, ketorolac 10 mg, meloxicam 7.5 mg, ibuprofen 600 mg, or placebo by mouth 60 minutes before the administration of an IANB. Endodontic access will begin 15 minutes after completion of the IANB. The IANB success is defined as no or mild pain (Heft Parker visual analog scale recordings) on pulpal access or instrumentation.