A Meta-Analysis of the Analgesic Efficacy of Single-Doses of Ibuprofen Compared to Traditional Non-Opioid Analgesics Following Third Molar Surgery

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the analgesic efficacy and adverse effects of ibuprofen in comparison with other traditional non-opioid analgesics after third molar surgery. A total of 17 full texts were identified in PubMed and assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool by two independent researchers. The sum of pain intensity differences, total pain relief, the overall evaluation, the number of patients requiring rescue analgesics, and adverse effects were collected. Data were analyzed using the Review Manager Software 5.3. for Windows. A total of 15 articles met the criteria. The qualitative and quantitative analysis showed that ibuprofen is more effective to relieve post-operative dental pain than acetaminophen, meclofenamate, aceclofenac, bromfenac, and aspirin. Moreover, ibuprofen and traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have a similar safety profile. In conclusion, ibuprofen 400 mg appears to have good analgesic efficacy and a safety profile similar to other traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs after third molar surgery.

Dexamethasone Increases the Anesthetic Success in Patients with Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis: A Meta-Analysis

“…The main advantages of this study include an adequate methodology, rigorous and conservative statistical methods, and the available evidence with a lower risk of bias to perform a powerful pooled analysis [ 29 , 30 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 49 ]. Local administration of dexamethasone was performed via the submucosal, supraperiosteal, or intraligamentary routes, and different doses of dexamethasone were used.…”

“…The influence of the weight of each study on the results of the meta-analysis was evaluated through a sensitivity study. A p -value of ≤0.05 and odds ratio or a mean difference ≥ 1 (a positive or negative value on a two-sided test) within a 95% confidence interval was considered to be a statistically significant difference [ 29 , 30 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 ].…”

Postoperative administration of ketorolac compared to other drugs for pain control after third molar surgery: A meta‐analysis of double‐blind, randomized, clinical trials

“…The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool was used 1,2 . The clinical trials with a high risk of bias (a red ball) were excluded from the qualitative and quantitative assessments 1,2 .…”

“…1,2 The clinical trials with a high risk of bias (a red ball) were excluded from the qualitative and quantitative assessments. 1,2 This stage included the participation of two blinded independent evaluators and the differences were resolved with the participation of a third researcher. [13][14][15]…”

“…Postoperative use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) following third molar surgery is common 1,2 . These agents are employed to control the most habitual post‐surgical complications (i.e., postoperative pain, facial inflammation and trismus) 1,3,4 . Most NSAIDs are used to control low to moderate pain and when this symptom is severe, ketorolac can be used 1,2 …”