Randomized Clinical Trial of Intraosseous Methylprednisolone Injection for Acute Pulpitis Pain

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Acute pulpitis presents a significant clinical challenge requiring effective pain management.
• Current treatments like emergency pulpotomy can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy, safety, and efficiency of local intraosseous methylprednisolone injection versus emergency pulpotomy for acute pulpitis.
• To evaluate the long-term therapeutic outcomes of both treatment modalities.

Main Methods:

• A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 94 patients diagnosed with acute irreversible pulpitis.
• Patients were assigned to either methylprednisolone injection (n=47) or emergency pulpotomy (n=47).
• Outcomes were assessed at 1 week and 6 months post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Methylprednisolone group reported significantly less spontaneous and percussion pain at 7 days.
• Methylprednisolone treatment was approximately 50% faster than pulpotomy.
• No significant difference in therapeutic outcome was observed between the groups at 6 months.

Conclusions:

• Methylprednisolone injection provides a more effective and efficient minimally invasive treatment for acute pulpitis.
• This pharmacologic approach conserves dental resources, including time and supplies.
• Methylprednisolone injection is a viable alternative to pulpotomy for managing acute pulpitis.