This triple-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial examined the combined analgesic effect of preemptively administering 400 mg of Ibuprofen (IBU) and 2% Potassium fluoride (KF2) separately or together on tooth sensitivity following tooth bleaching.

Overall 15 participants were included. The study employed a crossover drug administration design and a split-mouth design for the desensitizer agent. Four paired groups were established: IBU plus KF2 (IBU + KF2); IBU alone (IBU + placebo KF); KF2 alone (placebo IBU + KF2); and placebo (placebo IBU + placebo KF).

At baseline (immediately after bleaching), and at 6, 30, and 54 hours post-treatment, tooth sensitivity was examined utilizing a visual analog scale (VAS). Utilizing the Friedman test and relative risk, statistical analysis was done.

When compared to the placebo group, IBU + KF2 illustrated greater efficacy in minimizing tooth sensitivity immediately after bleaching (P < .05). In the placebo arm, the chance of encountering tooth sensitivity (moderate or severe) was four times more as opposed to the IBU + KF2 arm (relative risk, 4.00; 95% Confidence Interval [CI], 1.01 to 15.81; P = .025).

The concurrent utilization of 400 mg of IBU alongside KF2 showed potential in effectively addressing post-bleaching tooth sensitivity. This approach outperformed placebo in yielding enhanced analgesic effects.