Preoperative Ibuprofen Improves Pain Control During Pediatric Vital Pulp Therapy: Study
Researchers have found in a new study that preoperative use of Ibuprofen significantly reduces intraoperative pain and stress during Vital Pulp Therapy in children. This may lead to better comfort and cooperation, and serve as a simple, practical adjunct in routine pediatric dental care.
Molar–Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is a qualitative enamel defect of systemic origin that causes the affected enamel to become porous and fragile. As a result, the enamel may break down under masticatory forces, exposing the underlying dentin. Children with MIH often report tooth hypersensitivity and may avoid toothbrushing, which normally prevents bacterial plaque accumulation and dental caries.
Achieving successful local anesthesia is also challenging in these patients due to altered nerve excitability and increased tooth sensitivity. Previous studies have shown that children with MIH receive dental treatment almost ten times more often than children without MIH, leading to higher levels of pain and anxiety. A study was done to evaluate the effect of preoperative ibuprofen on intraoperative pain and stress responses during vital pulp therapy (VPT), a minimally invasive treatment aimed at preserving pulp vitality, in children with reversible pulpitis.
Forty-four children aged 7-13 years with reversible pulpitis in mandibular first permanent molars were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (10 mg/kg ibuprofen 40 minutes before treatment, n = 22) or the control group (no premedication, n = 22). Pain was assessed intraoperatively using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and pulse rate monitoring. Postoperative VAS scores were recorded on days 1, 3, and 7. Ethical approval was obtained
Preoperative administration of ibuprofen significantly reduces intraoperative pain and stress responses during VPT in children, improving comfort and cooperation, and may serve as a simple and clinically applicable adjunct in routine paediatric dental practice.
Reference:
Bilmez Selen, M, and B Kuru. "Effect of Preoperative Ibuprofen On Pain Perception and Pulse Rate in Paediatric Patients With Deep Caries: a Randomised Controlled Trial." European Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 2026, p. 1.
