Abstract Pain is often associated with teeth that need
endodontic therapy. This pain results
from inflammation.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs are useful in managing acute post-operative dental pain. NSAIDS specific for only blocking the COX-2 enzyme cause less stomach irritation and bleeding. The purpose of this clinical study was to determine if pre-operative administration of valdecoxib would significantly reduce post-endodontic pain, when compared to ibuprofen. Sixteen patients were evaluated. The patients consented to a random, one-time, pre-operative oral administration of either 600 mg ibuprofen or 20 mg valdecoxib. Each patient rated their pain on a visual analog scale at