title: Efficacy comparison of periapical infiltration injection of dexamethasone, morphine and placebo for postoperative endodontic pain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of periapical infiltration injection of dexamethasone and morphine in reducing postoperative endodontic pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety patients participated in this double-blind randomised controlled clinical trial. They were referred to the dental school of Shahid Beheshti Medical University, Tehran, Iran for conventional endodontic treatment of molar teeth. The canals of each tooth were completely prepared with cleansing and shaping. The patients were randomly divided into three experimental groups to receive dexamethasone, morphine or normal saline (1 mL). Patients were then instructed to complete a pain diary 4, 8, 24 and 48 h after the appointment. Statistical analysis consisted of chi-squared test, analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a statistically significant correlation between dexamethasone or morphine treatment and decreased levels and incidence of endodontic pain at 4, 8 and 24 h, but not at 48 h (P < 0.05). It was also observed that dexamethasone was significantly more effective (56.7% no pain) than morphine (43.3% no pain).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Periapical infiltration of dexamethasone and morphine led to a considerable decrease in postoperative endodontic pain during the first 24 h after operation. Dexamethasone was more effective than morphine in pain reduction.
authors.affiliation: Endodontic Department, Dental School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Yazdan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shantiaee
authors.forename: Faranak
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mahjour
authors.forename: Omid
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Dianat
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D008297:Male; D008963:Molar / Q000473:pathology; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010486:Periapical Tissue; D010919:Placebos; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000379:methods; D012390:Root Canal Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D010919:Placebos; D009020:Morphine; D003907:Dexamethasone