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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Mar 1;19(2):e149-56.
doi: 10.4317/medoral.19518.

Comparison of the effect of naproxen, etodolac and diclofenac on postoperative sequels following third molar surgery: a randomised, double-blind, crossover study

N Akbulut  1 , E Üstüner, C Atakan, G Çölok
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Comparison of the effect of naproxen, etodolac and diclofenac on postoperative sequels following third molar surgery: a randomised, double-blind, crossover study

N Akbulut et al. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. .

Abstract

Objective: To compare the three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) Diclofenac potassium, Etodolac and Naproxen sodium in relation to pain, swelling and trismus following impacted third molar surgery.

Study design: The study was a randomized and a double-blinded study which included 42 healthy young individuals with impacted third molars and bone retention. Patients were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n: 14) to which Diclofenac potassium, Naproxen sodium and Etodolac were administered orally an hour before the operation. Impacted third molars were surgically extracted with local anaesthesia. Visual analog scales (VAS) were used to assess the pain in the 6th, 12th hours and on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, and 7th days postoperatively. Swelling was evaluated using ultrasound (US) and mouth opening (trismus) was measured with a composing stick pre and post operatively on the 2nd and 7th days respectively.

Results: Regarding pain alleviation, Diclofenac potassium was better than Naproxen sodium and Naproxen sodium was better than Etodolac but these differences were not statistically significant. US measurements showed that the swelling on postoperative 2nd day was significantly lowest with Diclofenac potassium as compared to others (p= 0.027) while Naproxen sodium and Etodolac acted similarly (p=0.747). No difference was noted regarding trismus in any of the groups.

Conclusion: NSAIDs (Diclofenac, Naproxen and Etodolac) are somehow similarly effective for controlling pain and trismus following extraction of mandibular third molars but Diclofenac potassium surpasses others in reduction of swelling.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: The authors have no conflict of interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A panoramic roentgen of a patient (MD) operated for removal of mandibular third molars. The classifications of third molars were compatible with Class II, in Mesio-Angular position according to Archer Third Molar Classification.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The efficacies of drugs on pain depicted in a time course.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Graphic shows the efficacies of drugs on swelling versus time.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The efficacies of drugs on average trismus values presented over a time course.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Evolution of postoperative swelling. Preoperatively right buccal thickness measures 4,7 mm.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Measurement on 2nd postoperative day reveals marked soft tissue swelling of 10,8 mm.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Measurement on 7th postoperative day showed that the soft tissue swelling has regressed markedly back to 4.5 mm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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