Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The most commonly performed surgical procedure in most oral and maxillofacial surgery practices is the removal of third molars. Postoperative pain is considered a form of acute pain due to surgical trauma with an inflammatory reaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty patients were included in the study which were divided into GROUP-A, B, and C-50 patients each; those who underwent third molar removal under local anesthesia. Local anesthesia was obtained by inferior alveolar, lingual, long buccal, posterior superior alveolar, and greater palatal nerve block injections after first complain of pain, all patients were prescribed analgesics (Ketorolac-10 mg), (Tramadol-50 mg), (Flupirtine-100 mg), and antibiotics co-amoxiclav-625 mg) T. D. S in all the three groups A, B, C, respectively, for 5 days and the timing noted in the patients assessment sheet. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS Version 15.0 statistical analysis software. RESULTS: The flupirtine group has early onset and also had minimum side effects. All the groups showed similar trend in change in pain score from 3 h. P. O to different time intervals. It was observed the pain score increased significantly till 6 h. Post operative a decreased trend was found at 24 h, 48 h, 78 h, after 6 h. and this change was found to be statistically significant for all three groups. CONCLUSION: Flupirtine had faster onset and comparable pain management profile as compared to tramadol, it also had minimum side effects, hence the use of flupirtine might be recommended for postoperative pain management in cases undergoing third molar surgery.