UnknownNot Applicable

The Effect of Electroacupuncture (EA) on the Success of Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block (IANB) and Post-operative Pain Relief in Mandibular Molar With Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis (SIP) Among Malaysians: A Study Protocol for Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Pilot Study

Malaysia20 participantsStarted 2023-01-01

Plain-language summary

Acupuncture is recognized for its pain relief effect. Electroacupuncture(EA) is a form of acupuncture where electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles in order to achieve therapeutic effect. However, there are significantly low number of studies which have discussed the effect of electroacupuncture on dental treatment. Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis is a common condition among dental patients. The success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block before commencing the endodontic treatment of a tooth diagnosed with SIP is reported to be relatively as low as 25%. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of electroacupuncture on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block and post-operative pain relief for symptomatic irreversible pulpitis among Malaysians.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * All Malaysians above the age of 18 years old having a restorable first or second mandibular molar with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and a history of spontaneous pain presenting with pain level above 54 mm using 170 mm Heft-Parker visual analogue scale (HP-VAS). Exclusion Criteria: * Patient with severe systemic disorders, mental disorders, seizures or epilepsy, heart disease, severe clotting disorders, severe periodontal disease or a widening of the periodontal ligament space or periapical radiolucency. * Patient having a pacemaker. * Pregnant or lactating women. * Patient who is true needle phobia \[51\]. * Patient who has a malignant tumor, wound, infection, lymphedema or fracture at electroacupuncture site. * Patient who is sensitive to mepivacaine and paracetamol. * Patient who has a history of treatment with acupuncture, or using any type of medication that could affect the current perception of pain such as tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, analgesics, corticosteroids, or antibiotic at least 24 hours before the endodontic therapy.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Pain levels on HP-VAS after electroacupuncture

Timeframe: Immediately after needle removal

HP-VAS during endodontic procedure

Timeframe: During endodontic procedure

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04804761

SponsorIMU University, Malaysia

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2024-06-30

Contact for this trial

Yen Suan Sin

+60327317201 yensuansin@imu.edu.my

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Symptomatic Irreversible Pulpitis (SIP) trials