The Effect of Dexamethasone in Full Pulpotomy on Postoperative Pain in Permanent Molars

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of cryotherapy and dexamethasone on the intensity of postoperative pain in full pulpotomy procedures in permanent molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. The main questions it aims to answer are:

* Does controlled irrigation with cold saline during full pulpotomy reduce the severity of postoperative pain? * Does controlled irrigation with dexamethasone during full pulpotomy reduce the severity of postoperative pain? In the cryotherapy group, unlike the control and dexamethasone groups, the pulp chamber was irrigated with 2°C saline solution during the final irrigation step.

In the dexamethasone group, unlike the control and cryotherapy groups, the pulp chamber was irrigated with 2 mL dexamethasone solution during the final irrigation step.

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Key information

Conditions

Pulpitis - Irreversible

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cukurova University

Adana, Sarıçam, 01250, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Vital permanent molars exhibiting positive responses to both the cold test and the electric pulp test, with a prolonged cold response (>30 seconds) consistent with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.
Presence of deep carious lesions in the included teeth (indicated for vital pulp therapy).
No radiographic evidence of periapical pathology (i.e., no periapical radiolucency, root resorption, or pathological widening of the periodontal ligament space).
Patients who had not taken analgesics or antibiotics during the 24 hours preceding the procedure.

Exclusion criteria

Devital permanent molars that responded negatively to cold tests and electric pulp tests
Permanent molars with poor periodontal status (pocket depth > 4 mm),
Teeth that exhibited periapical radiolucency, pathological mobility, or were deemed non-restorable
Systemic diseases, pregnancy or lactation, known allergies to dexamethasone or NSAIDs, recent use of analgesics (within 24 hours), and any contraindications for pulpotomy or local anesthesia

Treatment and study plan

Cryotherapy

Other

In the cryotherapy group, the pulp chamber was irrigated with 5 mL of sterile saline solution pre-cooled to 2.5°C during full pulpotomy.

Dexametasone

Drug

In the dexamethasone group, the pulp chamber was irrigated with 2 mL of dexamethasone sodium phosphate solution (4 mg/mL) during full pulpotomy.

Primary outcomes

Visual Analogue Scale

Time frame: up to 72 hours

The visual analog scale for pain is a straight line with one end meaning no pain (0) and the other end meaning the worst pain (10) imaginable. A patient marks a point on the line that matches the amount of pain he or she feels. It may be used to help choose the right dose of pain medicine. Also called VAS.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cukurova University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Dexamethasone in Full Pulpotomy on Postoperative Pain in Permanent Molars With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Randomized Clinical Study

Important dates

Study start: 2024
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2025
First posted: Nov 18, 2025
Registry last updated: Nov 24, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed