Comparison of Ibuprofen, Celecoxib and Tramadol in Relief of Pain after Extraction of Mandibular Third Molar Teeth

Backgound: The ultimate goal of oral health care providers is not only to restore function, but also to relieve pain. This study was undertaken to compare the analgesic efficacy of ibuprofen, celecoxib and tramadol in patients after extraction of mandibular third molar teeth. Methods: Forty one patients entered our study and were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 received ibuprofen (600 mg) and groups 2 and 3 received celecoxib (200 mg) and tramadol (100 mg) respectively, 8 hours and one hour before extraction of mandibular third molar teeth. The patients reported their pain severity in a questionnaire four and eight hours after the tooth extraction. To evaluate the side effects of the drug, the patients were asked to report if they had any problem using the drug. Results: Fourteen patients received ibuprofen, 15 celecoxib and 12 tramadol for relief of pain. The pain severity in ibuprofen group, 4 and 8 hours after tooth extraction was less than celecoxib, and was less in these two groups when compared to tramadol group but no significant difference was found between the three groups. No undesirable side effects were reported in ibuprofen and celecoxib groups, but side effects such as headache, nausea, vomiting, oral dryness, drowsiness, tremor and vertigo were observed in the tramadol group. All patients who used tramadol were not satisfied from the drug while it had disturbed their daily activities. Conclusion: Regarding the very little side effects of celecoxib and its desirable analgesic effects, it can be administered as one of the analgesic drugs of choice in dentistry.