COMPARATIVE EFFECT OF AN ANALGESIC AND A PLACEBO IN REDUCTION OF ORTHODONTIC PAIN IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING FIXED ORTHODONTIC THERAPY

Dr. Faisal Arshad, Dr. Supreet Kaur Thind* and Dr. Javeriya Nahin

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To determine the amount of pain reduction using an analgesic-paracetamol and a placebo- xylitol chewing gum in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. Methods: Two groups were formed and each group was assigned 25 patients. After placing the first orthodontic arch wire patients were told to rate the pain before and after medication in a patient feedback form, Results: Chi-square test was used to find the significance of study parameters on categorical scale between two or more groups, Non parametric setting for qualitative data analysis was performed and pain reduction was seen in both the groups. Interpretation and conclusion: There was reduction of pain in both the groups- analgesic and placebo group indicating that the effects of placebo cannot be undermined. The pain reduction seen in the analgesic group as compared to placebo group was found statistically significant.

Keywords: Analgesic-paracetmol, orthodontic therapy.