Meloxicam Versus Ibuprofen for Pain Control After Third Molar Exodontia in Adult Patients

Summary: Third molar extractions are one of the most common procedures in dental practice. However, pain and swelling as postoperative sequelae are inevitable. Depending on the level of pain, which can range from moderate to severe, this symptomatology can be accompanied with pharmacological treatment, thus generating a less traumatic recovery for the patient. It is currently known that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have proven to be effective for the treatment of mild and moderate postoperative pain. Due to the wide variety of NSAIDs, it is important to know how to choose the most effective option when indicating one therapeutic option over another.

Objective: To evaluate the postoperative analgesic effectiveness of meloxicam (7.5 mg) compared to ibuprofen (400 mg) in patients undergoing third molar(s) extraction.

Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial, double-masked, designed according to CONSORT guideline requirements.

Inclusion criteria

Maxillary or mandibular third molar with semi or fully erupted crown.

Exclusion criteria

Patients with Systemic pathologies. Presence of third molar localized infection. Completely included third molar crown. Periodontal compromise. Pregnant or breastfeeding women. Patients with hypersensitivity to NSAIDs. Patients with a history of drug abuse. Patients who had taken any drug in the previous 24 hours. Intervention (exodontia) time longer than 45 minutes.