Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the impact of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis on quality of life, and the effectiveness of different management strategies: An observational study
IRAS ID
283867
Contact name
Simon Stone
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 27 days
Research summary
There is some evidence that symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (severe toothache) has a major impact on a patient’s quality of life, and that it represents a significant proportion of cases presenting to emergency dental services. A recent report suggests that its management by general dental practitioners is not consistent or evidence based, with a majority of surveyed dentists applying an antibiotic/steroid medication to exposed pulp (nerve) tissue, a practice that does not enjoy the same evidence base as alternatives. Some practitioners wish to move away from the use of such medicaments, due in part to concerns about the misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Anecdotally, the topical application of popular antibiotic/steroid preparations is effective for emergency pain management, yet its relative success compared to alternative approaches is uncertain. A prospective non-interventional study is therefore justified to identify the most effective approach.
Aim: Identify the impact of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis on a patients’ quality of life, and the effectiveness of alternative management strategies.
Design: Prospective data collection from primary dental care (8 sites), an out of hour’s emergency service (2 sites) and a dental emergency clinic (1 site). Data will be collected from all consenting patients presenting with an emergency dental problem. Patients receiving treatment for symptomatic irreversible pulpitis will be followed up with questionnaires for a duration of 7-days.
Project flow: All patients presenting for emergency dental treatment will be asked to participate. After completing written consent, they will fill out a questionnaire evaluating pain and Oral-Health Related Quality of Life. The treating dentist will record their diagnosis. Patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis will then be asked to participate in a 7-day follow-up, where they will complete a short questionnaire daily. They will receive phone, and email reminders.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/YH/0282
Date of REC Opinion
4 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion