Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using a preoperative, single oral dose of dexamethasone versus placebo on postoperative pain which is a primary outcome demonstrated immediately after the treatment, 6, 12, 24, 48 hours postoperatively with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis. Methods: Thirty-two patients, aged from 20-50 years old with no gender predication, suffering from symptomatic irreversible pulpitis were included in this study. After confirming the diagnosis clinically and radiographically, patients were randomly assigned into two equal groups of 16 patients each. Patients were asked after the cold pulp test to record his /her pain level before starting the endodontic treatment using the [Numerical Rating Scale (NRS)]. An access cavity was performed, pulp extirpation, immediately after treatment completion, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after the commencement of treatment. All demographic data and categorical scores were collected from the patients and statistically analysed. Results: Results showed that either pre-operatively, at access, at pulp extirpation, post-operatively, after 6, 12, 24 as well as 48 hours; there was no statistically significant difference between the two group
Conclusions: preoperative administration of a single dose of 0.5 mg dexamethasone did not seem to affect the intensity of postoperative pain for patients suffering from symptomatic irreversible pulpitis in mandibular molars.