Role of Prophylactic Antibiotics in the Management of Postoperative Endodontic Pain

Comprehensive Strategies in Endodontic Pain Management: An Integrative Narrative Review

This narrative review comprehensively examines the current and emerging strategies for pain management in endodontics, encompassing a wide range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Through an extensive exploration of 20 distinct parts, the review discusses traditional analgesics, antibiotics, the use of corticosteroids, and the role of novel treatments such as platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and cryotherapy. The review also delves into the intricacies of clinical methods, such as trephination and occlusal reduction, and discusses the potential of advanced techniques such as GABAergic signaling, acupuncture, in silico modulation, and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the effective management of endodontic pain. The analysis reveals a trend toward integrative methods that combine established practices with cutting-edge research, highlighting the importance of a tailored approach in endodontic pain management. The findings underscore the significance of understanding the complex nature of dental pain and the need for multifaceted treatment strategies. The review emphasizes that while traditional pharmacological methods remain foundational, emerging therapies offer promising adjuncts or alternatives, especially in cases where conventional treatments may be inadequate or unsuitable. This review aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for endodontic practitioners and researchers, offering insights into the multifarious aspects of pain management in endodontics. It underscores the ongoing evolution in the field and suggests directions for future research, particularly in refining and validating new pain management techniques.

The effect of antibiotic use on endodontic post-operative pain and flare-up rate: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Aim Antibiotics are widely used to prevent flare-ups after endodontic treatment of non-vital teeth. This systematic review assessed the effect of antibiotic administration on post-endodontic treatment pain and flare-up rate.Methods Five major databases including Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus and Embase were searched to identify randomised clinical trials (RCTs) published until September 2020. Retrieved papers were critically appraised using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool (RoB 2). To reduce the clinical heterogeneity, the included studies were divided into two groups: studies on symptomatic non-vital teeth and studies on asymptomatic non-vital teeth. The primary outcomes were 'post-operative pain' and 'flare-up rate'. The data of included studies were statistically combined through meta-analysis using random-effect model. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to assess the quality of evidence.Results Six RCTs involving two RCTs (N = 61) on symptomatic teeth and four RCTs (N = 310) on asymptomatic teeth were included. In two RCTs on asymptomatic teeth, prophylactic antibiotic had been used, while in the remaining two RCTs, antibiotics had been administered after treatment. Quantitative synthesis of the RCTs showed that antibiotic administration following endodontic treatment of symptomatic non-vital teeth has no effect on pain severity at 24 hours following treatment (weighted mean difference [WMD] = -0.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.53 to 0.47), and the use of antibiotics before endodontic treatment of asymptomatic non-vital teeth has no effect on flare-up rate (relative risk [RR] = 0.58; 95% CI: 0.22-1.54). The GRADE approach revealed that the overall quality of evidence on the topic is low.Conclusions The antibiotic administration following endodontic treatment of symptomatic non-vital teeth has no effect on pain severity at 24 hours following treatment. Also, prophylactic antibiotics are ineffective in reducing the flare-up rate following treatment of asymptomatic non-vital teeth. However, to evaluate the effect of post-treatment antibiotics on flare-up rate in asymptomatic non-vital teeth, more high-quality RCTs are needed.

Effects of antibiotic administration on post-operative endodontic symptoms in patients with pulpal necrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of prophylactic oral antibiotics in the management of post-operative endodontic symptoms in adults with necrotic pulp.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search up to April 2020 was performed to find all randomised controlled trials (RTCs) comparing oral antibiotics with placebo to manage post-endodontic symptoms. The outcome measures were post-operative pain, swelling and/or the combined pain and swelling at different follow-ups. Standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using random-effect inverse-variance method. Additional analysis was performed if heterogeneity existed (P < .05).

RESULTS

For post-endodontic pain, 8 RCTs (n = 690) were included. Antibiotic prescription had no significant effect on endodontic pain at 6 (SMD = -0.008, 95% CI -0.279 - 0.264, P = .95), 12 (SMD = -0.080, 95% CI -1.39 - 1.23, P = .90), 24 (SMD = -0.044, 95% CI -0.29 - 0.20, P = .72), 48 (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI -0.26 - 0.62, P = .42) and 72 h (SMD= -0.050, 95% CI -0.33 - 0.23, P = .723) post-operatively. For post-endodontic swelling, 4 RCTs (n = 149) were included. Antibiotic prescription had no significant effect on endodontic swelling at 24 (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI -0.72 - 1.32, P = .56), 48 (SMD = -0.23, 95% CI -0.98 - 0.51, P = .54) and 72 hours (SMD= -0.03, 95% CI -1.25 - 1.33, P = .96), post-operatively. For combined pain and swelling, no meta-analysis was performed.

CONCLUSION

The administration of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent post-operative endodontic symptoms is not supported by the current evidence.

Effects of Ibuprofen Compared to Other Premedication Drugs on the Risk and Intensity of Postendodontic Pain: A Systematic Review

Objective

This systematic review aims to evaluate the effects of ibuprofen compared to other drugs on the risk and intensity of postoperative pain resulting from endodontic treatment in adult patients.

Methods

A systematic search was carried out through Medline databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Lilacs, and BBO). There was no restriction on the publication year or idiom. The gray literature was explored. The Periodicos Capes Theses Databases and ProQuest Dissertations were also searched, as well as the unpublished and ongoing trials registry and the IADR abstracts (1990-2016). Solely randomized clinical trials that compared the risk or intensity of pain resulting from endodontic treatment in adult patients were included in this systematic review. The risk of bias of the articles was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted for ibuprofen versus placebo and ibuprofen versus other drugs at 6, 8, and 24 hours. The GRADE approach was used to assess the quality of the evidence.

Results

A total of 1132 studies were identified, and only seven meet the eligibility criteria. No difference between the groups was detected in any of the meta-analysis. An exception was observed when one study was removed from the meta-analysis of pain intensity at 24 hours for ibuprofen versus placebo, favoring ibuprofen (SMD -0.67; 95% CI -1.05 to -0.17). The quality of evidence in all meta-analyses was graded as low or very low.

Conclusion

Results of the present systematic review indicate that there is no clear evidence supporting that preoperative ibuprofen is better than other drugs in reducing the risk and intensity of postendodontic pain.