Twin Block Anesthesia for Acute Pain

This trial explores a new method to manage pain after wisdom tooth removal without opioids. Researchers are testing the "Twin Block" injection, which numbs the jaw muscles that often cause pain after the procedure. Participants will receive either this anesthetic or a placebo to determine its effectiveness in reducing pain and the need for opioids. The trial seeks healthy individuals experiencing significant jaw pain after the removal of at least one impacted wisdom tooth. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to innovative pain management solutions.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot participate if you have used opioid pain medications in the past or are on long-term anti-inflammatory pain medication.

Research shows that local anesthetic nerve blocks, such as the Twin Block, are generally safe and well-tolerated. Previous studies have reported few complications with these anesthetics. Although there is a small risk of nerve damage, it remains rare. The Twin Block uses a common dental anesthetic, known to be safe for most people, and most individuals do not experience serious side effects. This makes the Twin Block a promising option for managing pain after wisdom teeth removal, potentially reducing the need for opioids without significant risk.¹²³⁴⁵

Researchers are excited about the Twin Block Anesthesia because it could offer a new way to manage acute pain following dental procedures, like wisdom tooth extractions. Most standard treatments rely on oral pain medications, which can take time to work and may have systemic side effects. Unlike these options, the Twin Block approach directly targets the nerve using a local anesthetic, 2% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine, providing potentially faster and more localized pain relief. This method could mean quicker pain management with fewer side effects, making recovery from dental surgery more comfortable.

Research has shown that the Twin Block injection effectively reduces pain in the jaw muscles. In earlier studies, this method provided quick and long-lasting relief for pain in the jaw and nearby muscles. Some reports indicate it also alleviates pain, swelling, and muscle stiffness after wisdom tooth removal. In this trial, participants will be randomized to receive either the Twin Block with a local anesthetic or the Twin Block with sterile normal saline. The Twin Block numbs the nerves controlling the jaw muscles, reducing pain in these areas. This suggests that using the Twin Block could decrease the need for opioids after dental surgery, offering relief without the risk of addiction.¹⁴⁶⁷⁸