Effect of preoperative Ibuprofen on tooth sensitivity from in-office bleaching

Click on images to view full size.

Objective: To determine the effect of Ibuprofen (600 mg, PO single dose) on tooth sensitivity caused by in-office bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide. Methods: A double-blinded randomized-controlled clinical trial was performed on healthy non-smoker patients who retain all anterior teeth (N=31). Patients with anterior restoration, calculus or heavy stain, and those who currently take any medications, or desensitizer products were excluded. After signing the informed consent, patients were randomly divided into Placebo group (n=16); received Placebo (Tinted oil in clear capsule, Compound Pharmacy, USA), or Ibuprofen group (n=15); received 600 mg, PO single dose of Ibuprofen (Advil liquid Gel, Wyeth, USA). Patients were watched while taking capsules 30mins prior to treatment. The 38% hydrogen peroxide (Opalescence Xtra Boost, Ultradent, USA) was applied by single operator on twelve anterior teeth (20mins), rinsed, gently dried, then repeated for another cycle (total=40mins). A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the level of sensitivity at 30mins before treatment, 0hour, 1hour, and 24hours post-bleaching. Patients graded their maximum sensitivity levels during each period (0=no sensitivity, 100=unbearable sensitivity). Each VAS scores was measured and statistical analyzed (Wilcoxon rank sum tests). Comparisons between mean level of both groups for sex and age difference were statistical analyzed (chi-square test). Results: Mean score of Ibuprofen group at 0hour=5.0±9.9, 1hour=31.5±32.1, and 24hours=25.8±30.8; Placebo group at 0hour=26.6±31.0, 1hour=30.9±30.5, and 24hours=31.1±32.6. Both groups did not have significantly different results based on sex (p=0.85) or age (p=0.37). Ibuprofen group showed statistically significant lower sensitivity score immediately post-bleaching than Placebo group (p=0.0216). The groups did not have significant differences in 1hour (p=0.84) or 24hours post-bleaching (p=0.54). Conclusion: The use of the analgesic may help reduce tooth sensitivity during in-office bleaching treatment. In this study, Ibuprofen (600 mg, PO single dose) reduced tooth sensitivity during the treatment period, but not at later times.