Reducing Pain from Wisdom Molar Extractions with Temporo-masseteric Nerve Block

This study is looking at a way to reduce pain after wisdom tooth removal using a local anesthetic injection called the Temporo-masseteric Nerve Block (TMNB). This injection uses 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, the standard dental numbing medicine, to numb the jaw-clencher muscles. The goal is to see if this can help manage pain without needing as many opioid pain medications, which carry risks like addiction. Researchers will measure your pain levels and how much your mouth can open after the procedure. You may be able to join if you are between 18 and 64 years old, healthy enough for dental surgery with sedation, and not pregnant. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status.

Study design
This is a pilot study involving about 20 participants. It is an interventional study, meaning participants will receive a specific treatment.
What's involved
You will receive the TMNB injection after your wisdom tooth extraction. Researchers will ask about your pain and pain medication use for one week, and you will have a follow-up visit on Day 8.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Participants will be followed for one week after the procedure, with a final visit on Day 8.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05335070

Reducing Pain From Wisdom Molar Extractions

Recruiting
PHASE2Ages 18–64InterventionalSupportive care
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
~20 participants
Updated 2025-12-05 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Temporo-masseteric Nerve Block

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Peak post-operative Pain Score
Measured over up to 4 hours on day of procedure, post-procedure
+5 more outcomes measured
Acute Pain
1 sites across 1 states
New Jersey1
  • Gayathri D Subramanian, PhD, DMD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Rutgers School of Dental Medicine

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18 years of age or older (up to 64 years)
Any demographic
ASA 1 and 2 (mild or absent systemic illnesses, deemed fit for undergoing dental extractions under intravenous sedation)
Not pregnant (as will not qualify to undergo procedure under intravenous sedation as part of routine standard-of-care)
Adequate mental ability to understand and provide informed consent
Has smart phone and internet connection

Exclusion

Age older than 64 years (because they are poor candidates for undergoing procedures under intravenous sedation)
Pregnant
Incapable of providing informed consent
Any systemic condition that renders the patient at higher risk for complications under intravenous sedation
Documented allergy to the dental local anesthetic
Inability to tolerate any of the commonly used pain medications such as combination opioids, acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®)
Limitation in adequate mouth opening in presence/absence of pain
  • Peak post-operative Pain Scoreup to 4 hours on day of procedure, post-procedure

    Every 30 minutes, the patient's pain score (Numerical Pain Rating Scale with scores from 0-10, (the NRS scale), with 0= no pain, 1-3= mild pain, 4-6= moderate pain, 7-10= severe pain) will be recorded to document peak pain score by hour 4. If the patient were to report a score from 7-10 at any time, no additional delay/pain score enquiry will take place and the patient will be directed to take the first dose of post-operative pain medication as described elsewhere.

  • Mean Numerical Pain Rating Scale pain scoreOne week

    The average pain score reported by the patient during the entire post-operative week will be assessed

  • Passive Mouth openingBaseline, post-procedure (Day 1) and at post-operative visit (Day 8)

    Passive mouth opening will be measured (in mm) at baseline, post-procedure before as well as 15 min after TMNB injection and finally, during the post-operative visit (Day 8) will be measured

  • Masticatory muscle pain to palpation- Temporalis and MasseterBaseline, post-procedure (Day 1) and at post-operative visit (Day 8)

    Numerical pain rating scale pain scores reported by the patient upon palpation of the masseter and temporalis muscles will be recorded at baseline, post-procedure (before and 15 min after TMNB injection) and at the post-operative visit one week after procedure

  • Total dose of pain medication- acetaminophen, ibuprofen and hydrocodone8 Days

    Total dose of pain medications consumed over the first post-operative week, for each of the medications will be recorded in mg

  • Adverse effects8 days

    The patient will be queried each day for any adverse effects from pain medications and any adverse effects at the site of injection (infection, pain etc)