Intra-muscular ketorolac administered as a supplemental analgesic for removal of impacted third molar teeth: A prospective study

Abstract

Background: Post-operative pain follows dentalveolar oral surgery. Ketorolac is a potent non-steroidal analgesic with moderate anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to test whether a single supplementary dose of ketorolac reduced post-operative pain experienced by patients having third molar teeth removed. Methods: A prospective double-blind trial utilizing 30mg of ketorolac and a standard anaesthetic and surgical technique was performed on 65 female patients having impacted third molar teeth removed. Assessment was made by means of a patient questionnaire and visual analogue pain scales and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: There was a statistically significant difference confirming improved pain relief for patients receiving ketorolac 30mg at the early post-operative stage (two hours) but at later time intervals (four and six hours) there was no significant difference. Seventy two per cent of patients found ketorolac to be a satisfactory analgesic for post-operative pain. There were minimal side effects. Conclusion: A single supplemental dose of ketorolac 30mg provides improved pain relief in the immediate post-operative phase following the removal of third molar teeth. Oral ketorolac can be recommended as a oral analgesic for post-operative pain, with minimal side effects.