Cannabidiol Found Effective as an Analgesic for Acute Dental Pain

This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of cannabidiol (CBD) as an analgesic for acute dental pain, a condition for which nonopioid treatments are limited. In a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 61 patients with moderate to severe toothache were assigned to one of three groups: CBD10 (10 mg/kg), CBD20 (20 mg/kg), or placebo. Participants received a single oral dose, and pain was assessed over 3 hours. 
The primary outcome was pain reduction using a visual analog scale (VAS), while secondary outcomes included pain intensity, time to significant relief, maximum pain relief, bite force changes, psychoactive effects, mood alterations, and other adverse events.

Both CBD groups showed significant reductions in VAS pain scores compared to baseline and placebo, with a maximum median reduction of 73% at 180 minutes (P < 0.05). CBD20 demonstrated a faster onset of pain relief than CBD10 (15 vs. 30 minutes), with both groups achieving maximum relief at 180 minutes. The number needed to treat was 3.1 for CBD10 and 2.4 for CBD20. Bite force significantly increased in both CBD groups (P < 0.05) but not in the placebo group, with CBD20 showing significant changes compared to placebo at 90 and 180 minutes. 
Adverse effects, including sedation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, were more common in CBD groups (P < 0.05). This trial provides initial evidence that oral CBD is an effective and safe alternative analgesic for acute dental pain.