Short-term use of analgesics sufficient after dental implant surgery: Study

A systematic search was conducted to identify randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs). The primary outcomes examined were post-operative pain (POP) and consumption of rescue analgesics following implant placement; secondary outcomes included adverse effects, post-operative inflammation, infection, swelling, bleeding, patient satisfaction, and quality of life. Random effects meta-analysis was conducted for risk ratios of dichotomous data.

The results of the study are as follows:

• Nine RCTs fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Individual studies and meta-analysis of two studies indicated that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) significantly reduced POP and consumption of rescue analgesics after dental implant placement compared to placebo.
• Transdermal administration of NSAIDs may be superior to the oral route as it was similarly effective for POP control and resulted in fewer side effects. Glucocorticoids administered as primary analgesics or NSAID adjuvants resulted in comparable pain sensation compared to NSAIDs alone.
• Caffeine-containing analgesics were reported as acceptable and effective for the treatment of POP and swelling when compared to codeine adjuvants.
• With regard to analgesic dosing schedules, pain modulation may be most critical during the first 72 h following dental implant placement.
• Risk of bias assessment indicated an overall low risk of bias across the included trials.

Thus, the researchers concluded that within the limitations of this review, POP following implant surgery may be effectively treated with the short-term use of analgesic medications. However, given the heterogeneity in the available RCTs, there is insufficient evidence to recommend an analgesic regimen following dental implant surgery.

Reference:

Post-operative pain management in dental implant surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials by Ismael Khouly published in the Clinical Oral Investigations.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-021-03859-y