Transdermal Diclofenac Patches for Control of Post-extraction Pain. Pilot Randomized Controlled Double-blind Study

Purpose: The scope of transdermal analgesics have been limited to pain control following local trauma, muscle spasm, minor esthetic surgeries, or sports-related injuries. Its scope of application can be extended in the field of dentistry and minor oral surgical procedures.

Methods: A total of 40 healthy patients between the age of 18 and 50 years with deeply carious, nontender mandibular molar tooth deemed unsalvageable which was indicated for extraction were taken into study of which subjects were divided into cases and controls.

Results: The data were analyzed with chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test; the chi-square test showed significant association with expected outcome in visual analog scale pain scores, the two groups at 6th and 12th hour. A Mann-Whitney U test was performed to identify strength of association between two groups where there were significant association between all parameters except for pain interference with routine activities and dental health status(0.022, 0.001); the differences between two groups in these parameters were significant (<0.05).

Conclusion: Transdermal route seems to be comparable to oral diclofenac in post-extraction pain relief; further studies are required to confirm the results and safety for its use in various other dental situations.