EFFICACY OF TRANSDERMAL FENTANYL PATCH IN PAIN CONTROL DURING THIRD MOLAR SURGERY -A CLINICAL STUDY

ABSTRACTAim: To assess the efficacy, safety, and feasibility of using transdermal fentanyl to treat pain following third molar extraction. Methods: This prospective, parallel-group, comparative clinical study involved sixty healthy individuals aged 18 to 40 undergoing third molar extraction. Participants were divided into two groups: the FTS group (receiving a 50 µg/h fentanyl patch) and the control group (receiving a placebo patch along with NSAIDs and Tramadol). A minimally invasive surgical approach was used under local anesthesia. Pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at various postoperative intervals (0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours). Key outcomes included pain intensity, use of additional analgesics, occurrence of side effects, and patient satisfaction. Results: The FTS group reported significantly lower pain scores compared to the Control group at both 24 hours (p = 0.001*) and 72 hours (p = 0.007*). Pain reduction in the FTS group was quicker and more pronounced, particularly between 48 and 72 hours (p = 0.000*). Furthermore, 66.7% of patients in the FTS group did not require any rescue analgesics, whereas only 40% of the Control group managed without them (p = 0.005*). Conclusion: In contrast to traditional NSAID therapy, the transdermal fentanyl patch provides more efficient and longer-lasting postoperative pain relief following third molar surgery, resulting in a faster pain decrease and a decreased need for additional analgesics. Keywords: Pain Management; Third Molar Surgery; Transdermal Fentanyl Patch; Opioid Analgesic.