Efficacy of ibuprofen and codeine + paracetamol to reduce immediate bleaching sensitivity caused by in-office tooth bleaching: A randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

Purpose: To evaluate (1) the efficacy of Ibuprofen and codeine + paracetamol to control immediate bleaching sensitivity caused by in-office tooth bleaching performed with 35% hydrogen peroxide, and (2) tooth shade change caused by 35% hydrogen peroxide.

Methods: In this randomized, controlled and double blind clinical trial, 60 volunteers were divided into three treatment groups: 400 mg placebo (PL)(n=20), 400 mg ibuprofen (IB)(n=20), or 30 mg codeine + 500 mg paracetamol (CP)(n=20). The volunteers were submitted to two bleaching sessions with 35% hydrogen peroxide in 2 applications of 20 minutes each. In both sessions, the medication was given to the volunteers 1 hour before the bleaching procedure. The sensitivity values were obtained with the analogic visual pain scale. Tooth shade was assessed before and after bleaching. Statistical analysis was done through the one-way ANOVA and Tukey post-hoc tests.

Results: For bleaching sensitivity, there were statistically significant differences among the medications (P< 0.01). The lowest sensitivity means were found in the CP group (PL:4.7 = IB:4.8 > CP:1.0). In regards to tooth shade, participant's teeth were statistically significantly lighter after bleaching than before bleaching (P< 0.01), with no statistically significant difference between the medications (P< 0.05).

Clinical Significance: The use of codeine + paracetamol 1 hour before in-office tooth bleaching can drastically reduce immediate sensitivity.