LOCAL PROPHYLACTIC BENADRYL INJECTIONS IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE POSTINSTRUMENTAL PAIN

This study was done to determine the clinical efficacy of a 15-mg diph enhydremine hydrochloride (Benadryl) local injection as a prophylactic treatment in the prevention of pain resulting from initial instrument ation of necrotic teeth. A double-blind study comprised of 37 subjects , each with one nonvital maxillary tooth, was completed in which patie nts were divided into two equal groups. The experimental group receive d a local anesthetic of 3% Carbocaine, followed by an additional injec tion of the antihistamine. The control group received the local anesth etic and an equivalent quantity of sterile saline. Patients recorded t heir pain levels at various time intervals: preoperatively, immediatel y postoperatively, and at 3, 7, 12, and 24 h postoperatively. Graphic analysis using a Quatro-Pro spread sheet program showed that there wer e no significant differences between the groups pain scores. However, there was a correlation between pain and time elapsed after procedure. In both groups, postoperative pain appeared to increase from 3 to 7 h and decrease from 7 to 24 h.