Actively Recruiting
Efficacy of ED Provider-Performed Dental Block for Pain Relief in Patients Presenting With Dental Pain
Led by University of California, San Francisco · Updated on 2025-02-28
195
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the immediate pain relief provided by dental nerve blocks in adult patients presenting with dental pain in the emergency department (ED). This observational cohort study aims to determine whether dental blocks offer a meaningful reduction in pain scores as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) within 10 minutes after the procedure. The study is conducted in the Community Regional Medical Center ED and led by the University of California, San Francisco. Emergency medicine faculty, residents, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners trained in dental blocks will perform the procedure using standardized equipment and anesthetic (Bupivacaine 0.5%). The study protocol includes administering specific anesthetic volumes to targeted nerve areas, recording pain levels before and after injections, and allowing additional injections if needed. Patients will be asked if they would undergo the dental block procedure again, which is also recorded. Participants will be identified based on their dental pain complaint and consented verbally before enrollment. Data collection includes demographics, pain scores at baseline and after 10 minutes of each block, and procedural details. The primary outcome is the change in pain scores on the VAS, with secondary outcomes assessing patient willingness to repeat the procedure. The study excludes patients unable to consent or complete pain scoring, those with recent dental blocks, or with complicated dental pain. The total participation involves assessments during the ED visit around the dental block procedure.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Dental Block for Pain Relief in ED Dental Pain Patients
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adult patients (18 years or older) presenting to the emergency department with dental pain
- Planned dental nerve block by an emergency department practitioner
You will not qualify if you...
- Dental block received within 24 hours prior to ED arrival
- Refusal to undergo dental block
- Patient in law enforcement custody
- Unable to understand study purpose or complete pain scoring due to physical or mental condition
- Unable to understand study due to language barrier (not English or Spanish speaking)
- Presence of other acute non-dental painful condition affecting pain assessment
- Pain in multiple mouth areas requiring more than one dental block
- Scheduled dental or oral maxillofacial surgery consult in ED
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Single day procedure with pain assessments over approximately 30 minutes
Participants who undergo routine dental nerve block as part of standard emergency care are observed. Pain levels are recorded before and after the dental block procedure to assess pain relief.
1 dental block procedure visit with multiple pain assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Community Regional Trauma and Burn Center
Fresno, California, United States, 93721
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Brian Chinnock, MD
J
Jannet Castaneda, BA
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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