A double-blind comparative study of soluble aspirin and diclofenac dispersible in the control of postextraction pain after removal of impacted third molars

Abstract

The analgesic efficacy and patient acceptability of soluble aspirin and diclofenac dispersible were compared in patients with postoperative pain after removal of impacted third molars. A total of 136 patients were randomly allocated to receive soluble aspirin 600 mg tds or diclofenac dispersible 50 mg tds after extraction under local anaesthesia of impacted third molars on one side of the mouth. The medication, which was both patient and operator blind, was reversed after extraction of the contralateral third molars 3 weeks later, the patients acting as their own controls in assessing postoperative pain, pain relief, and interincisal opening. Patients receiving diclofenac dispersible recorded significantly lower pain levels; pain relief was significantly greater and the patients' assessment significantly favoured diclofenac dispersible. Interincisal opening throughout the study period was significantly increased in the diclofenac dispersible group. The surgeons' postoperative assessment of extraction sites showed no significant difference between the two treatment groups in rate of healing. Two patients reported side-effects while taking soluble aspirin, and eight while taking diclofenac dispersible, two of whom discontinued treatment.