Comparison of two analgesics used for pain relief after placement of orthodontic separators

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the possible effect of two analgesics: paracetamol (500 mg) and ibuprofen (400 mg) on pain and routine life of the patients after placement of orthodontic separators. METHODOLOGY: Ninety patients aged 11–41 years undergoing fixed comprehensive orthodontic treatment requiring placement of different orthodontic separators participated in the study. Following placement of separators, the participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: paracetamol (500 mg) given every 6 h for 3 days, ibuprofen (400 mg) given every 8 h for 2 days and control group in which no analgesic was given. A questionnaire comprising of 7 questions was distributed to the participants and were asked to report their feeling of pain. The collected data were tabulated and the statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA, chi-square test, and t-test with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: In general, the level of pain was high for all groups in the first three days. Then it was gradually reduced until the 7th day of the study. Few patients reported feeling of pain during their sleep whereas a significant reduction of the pain was reported during eating and chewing after the 3rd day of separators. However, some participants felt continuous pain on the 1st and 2nd days and it was reduced gradually on the 3rd day until the 7th day following application of separators. CONCLUSION: The patients prescribed ibuprofen did not report any problem with tooth movement along with significant reduction in pain as compared to paracetamol. Pain relief medication after placement of separators should be taken only if patient feels intolerable pain but not as routine practice.