ASSESSMENT OF PRE-TREATMENT PSYCHOLOGICAL PRIMING VS ORAL ANXIOLYTICS ON ANALGESIC REQUIREMENT IN SYMPTOMATIC IRREVERSIBLE PULPITIS PATIENTS: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL
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Abstract
Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) is a painful dental condition often requiring root canal therapy.
Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of psychological priming versus oral anxiolytics (alprazolam) on analgesic consumption, pain perception, and patient satisfaction in SIP patients undergoing root canal therapy.
Methods: This randomized controlled, single-blinded clinical trial was conducted Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry from January 2024 to September 2024. Forty adults with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A (psychological priming) or Group B (oral anxiolytic, alprazolam 0.25 mg). Pain levels were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 6, 24, and 48 hours post-treatment. The number of ibuprofen tablets consumed within 48 hours and patient satisfaction were also assessed.
Results: Participants in the psychological priming group consumed significantly fewer ibuprofen tablets (3.2 tablets) compared to the oral anxiolytic group (4.6 tablets) within the first 48 hours (p = 0.02). VAS pain scores were consistently lower in Group A at all time points (6h: 4.2 vs. 5.0, 24h: 3.0 vs. 4.1, 48h: 2.3 vs. 3.4) (p < 0.01). Group A also showed a greater reduction in dental anxiety, with a significant decrease in Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) scores (p = 0.03). Patient satisfaction was higher in Group A (8.6 vs. 7.1, p = 0.04).
References
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Dr. Hafiz Rabbi Ul Ehsan
Consultant, CI Spec, Affiliated with the Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Pakistan
Dr. Nadeem Ahmad Rana
Registrar, FCPS II, Affiliated with the Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Pakistan
Dr. Barzam Ali Saqlain
Consultant, CI Spec, Affiliated with the Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Pakistan
Dr. Syed Shan E Haider Naqvi
Registrar, FCPS II, Affiliated with the Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Pakistan
Dr. Shafiq Ur Rehman
Registrar, FCPS II, Affiliated with the Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Pakistan
Dr. Marium Arif
General physician MBBS, MHPE, iCare, RM Health Solutions, Family Medicine and Medical Education, Pakistan