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Preemptive Use of Naproxen on Tooth Sensitivity Caused by In-Office Bleaching: A Triple-Blind, Crossover, Randomized
Operative Dentistry
|August 23, 2017
Summary
Preemptive use of naproxen (500 mg) before in-office tooth bleaching significantly reduced tooth sensitivity immediately after the second session. However, it did not impact sensitivity during or 24 hours post-procedure.
Area of Science:
- Dental Aesthetics
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- In-office tooth bleaching is a common cosmetic dental procedure.
- Tooth sensitivity is a frequent side effect of bleaching procedures.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may mitigate bleaching-induced sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of preemptive naproxen administration in reducing tooth sensitivity during and after in-office tooth bleaching.
- To assess the impact of naproxen on the effectiveness of tooth bleaching procedures.
Main Methods:
- A triple-blind, randomized, crossover clinical trial involving 50 patients.
- Patients received either naproxen (500 mg) or placebo one hour before each of two bleaching sessions (35% hydrogen peroxide).
- Sensitivity was assessed using verbal and visual analog scales during, immediately after, and 24 hours after bleaching.
Main Results:
- Naproxen significantly reduced tooth sensitivity immediately after the second bleaching session.
- No significant effect of naproxen was observed on sensitivity during or 24 hours after bleaching sessions.
- The sequence of drug administration did not influence the bleaching effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Preemptive naproxen administration can be effective in managing immediate post-bleaching tooth sensitivity, particularly after repeated sessions.
- Naproxen does not appear to affect the overall effectiveness of in-office tooth bleaching.

