Effect of Preoperative Oral Cannabidiol-Rich Cannabis Extract on Anxiety and Postoperative Pain after Endodontic Treatment: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of cannabidiol (CBD)-rich Cannabis extract in reducing anxiety and postoperative pain in patients submitted to endodontic treatment.

METHODS: The study was carried out after approval by the Research Ethics Committee (Registration No. 5.075.961). The following groups were tested: CBD and placebo. Pain was measured using a visual analog scale before the start of treatment and 24, 48, and 72 hours and 7 days after the session. Anxiety was assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and a visual analog scale, before and immediately after treatment. In addition, salivary cortisol was measured before drug administration and after anesthesia. Data were analyzed descriptively using absolute frequencies and percentages, with a 5% margin of error.

RESULTS: The mean anxiety scores were higher in the CBD group than in the placebo group in each assessment (pre: 5.06 vs 3.07, respectively; post: 4.61 vs 2.60). However, there was no significant difference in the reduction of dental anxiety at the beginning of the consultation and throughout the procedure. We did not find statistically significant differences in postoperative pain between the CBD and placebo groups at any of the time points.

CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of an exposure-response relationship between the intervention and control groups. However, more studies are needed to determine clinical outcomes.