Role of Pre-emptive Medication in Controlling Pain Associated with Orthodontic Separator Placement

Pain control during orthodontics is an important aspect of patient compliance. A decision regarding choice and timing of drug administration has often been conflicting. Aim-A pilot study designed as a randomized, single-blind clinical trial was done to compare the pain control effectiveness of Diclofenac Pottasium with Ibuprofen, taken 1 hour prior to separator placement. Material and Method- 50 1^st year & 50 final year dental students randomly received Diclofenac (50 mg) and Ibuprofen (400mg) one hour prior to orthodontic separator placement. Pain scores were recorded on a visual analogue scale at 0 hrs, 2 hr, 6 hrs and 24 hrs respectively. Adverse events and patients needing additional analgesia were also documented. Result-Diclofenac Pottasium was found to be more effective than Ibuprofen during the initial two hours of separator placement.