Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to improve inferior alveolar nerve block success in irreversible pulpitis: A bibliometric analysis

Abstract

This bibliometric analysis aimed to evaluate scientific output and research trends on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) premedication for improving inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) success. A comprehensive search was performed in the Web of Science Core Collection in January 2026 without time restrictions. Studies assessing oral NSAIDs as premedication to enhance IANB efficacy in irreversible pulpitis were included. Extracted data included publication year, citation count, journal, impact factor (IF), study design, countries, authors, and keywords. Spearman’s rank correlation was used to analyze associations among citations, publication year, and journal IF. Forty-six articles were included, totaling 957 citations, of which 39.2% were self-citations. Clinical trials predominated ( n = 31), followed by reviews ( n = 14). The Journal of Endodontics was the most productive journal. Asia was the leading continent, with India and Iran as the main contributors. Ibuprofen was the most frequently investigated NSAID. Citation count showed a moderate positive correlation with journal IF (ρ =0.606) and a strong negative correlation with publication year (ρ = −0.854). NSAIDs premedication to improve IANB efficacy is clinically relevant and largely concentrated in high-impact endodontic journals. Despite growing interest, methodological heterogeneity persists, highlighting the need for standardized protocols and further high-quality clinical studies.