COVID-19 and Personnel changes

In this randomized controlled double-blinded study, subjects will be assigned to one of two study groups to either be anesthetized with Bupivacaine or Lidocaine prior to needed treatment of pulpectomy/endodontic debridement on a symptomatic tooth.

Subjects' oral health related quality of life and postoperative pain resolution, pain medication use and numbness will be compared in two study groups.

This is a double-blind randomized controlled single-site trial. We aim to recruit 100 subject, with an anticipated dropout rate of 20%; our goal is to enroll 40 subjects in each study arm based on the power analysis described in data analysis section as well as general feasibility for recruitment, and the ability to complete the study in within one year.

After screening for eligibility based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria listed below, and after preoperative data collection, in the experimental arm, inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) will be administered 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine whereas in the control arm, IANB will be administered 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine for a standardized pulpectomy/endodontic debridement treatment as the 1st visit endodontic treatment for subjects with preoperative pain. Postoperative oral health related quality of life questionnaire (OHIP-14) responses at day 1 and 5 as well as 5-day postoperative pain intensity questionnaire will be collected remotely. In this way, we will be able to compare OHQoL change as well as postoperative pain resolution, pain medication use and postoperative soft tissue anesthesia reported by the patient in two study arms.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients between the ages of 18-85 years
• Patients with pulpal diagnosis of either symptomatic irreversible pulpitis or pulp necrosis and periapical diagnosis of normal apical tissues, symptomatic apical periodontitis or asymptomatic apical periodontitis.
• Patients who only have one tooth with odontogenic pain at the time point of the screening.
• Patients who are treatment planned, and have agreed to have, pulpectomy/endodontic debridement.
• Patients with acute dental pain of at least 3/10 on NRS
• Patients must be able to comprehend and complete all study questionnaires
• Patients must be able to comprehend the description of the study protocol and written consent Patients must be able to be contacted by text messages, phone calls or email during 5 days after pulpectomy/endodontic debridement

Exclusion Criteria:

• Medically complex patients with severe systemic diseases (ASA III or above). These may include uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled blood pressure and/or chronic renal failure, for example, and potential participants will be asked about these conditions during the screening process.
• Pregnant Patients
• Patients who have already been enrolled in the study. Patients can only be enrolled for treatment on one tooth.
• Patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to any local anesthetic agent of the amide group, or any other components of the two anesthetic solutions such as epinephrine, sodium metabisulfite used in the study.
• Patients who use ergot-type oxytocic drugs for uterine contraction, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, antidepressant of triptyline or imipramine types or patients who are planned to receive sedatives for the treatment.
• Patients with additional elective dental treatments like extraction, implant placement, root canal therapy planned in the 5 days following the date of enrollment in this study
• Patients with pain whose examined tooth is planned for vital pulp therapies e.g. pulpotomy, retreatment, apical surgery or extraction
• Patients with a pulpal diagnosis or reversible pulpitis, previously treated, previously initiated therapy and periapical diagnosis of acute apical abscess or chronic apical abscess.
• Patients who have multiple teeth with odontogenic pain at the time of the screening
• Patients who do not understand or are able to read the questionnaires
• Non-English speaking patients