Efficacy of Auricular Acupuncture in Reducing Pain after Third-Molar Extractions
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this randomized, double-blind, prospective clinical study was to determine if therapeutic auricular acupuncture based on the Battlefield Acupuncture protocol would reduce postoperative pain and use of pain medications following third-molar extractions compared to placebo auricular acupuncture. Methods: Twenty active-duty military members or DoD beneficiaries that required extraction of three or more third molars under IV sedation participated in the study. Following the extractions, the subjects were randomized to receive either placebo auricular acupuncture (n=12) with two gold-plated auricular semi-permanent needles in therapeutically neutral points (bilaterally) or therapeutic auricular acupuncture (n=8) using five gold-plated auricular semi-permanent needles (bilaterally) in the therapeutic points established by the Battlefield Acupuncture protocol. All needle placement was completed by an acupuncture-credentialed dentist. The subjects recorded VAS pain scores and the amount and type of pain medication used daily in a journal over a two-week period. Data were analyzed with a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA (alpha=0.05).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1127941
Entities
People
- Clay J. Jensen
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences