RecruitingInterventional

Treatment preferences for irreversible pulpitis

This research aims to help adults with a painful dental condition called irreversible pulpitis. This is when the inside of a tooth is inflamed and won't get better on its own. The study introduces two special tools, called Patient Decision Aids, which are designed to help you understand your options and make informed choices. One of these tools includes comics to make the information clearer and more engaging, while the other doesn't. Researchers want to see if the version with comics helps patients understand their condition and treatment choices better. Participants will use one of these tools and then answer some questions. This study is taking place at Dundee Dental Hospital and Research School.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Dundee

Enrolment target

120

Start

28 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

05 May 2027

Management of severe or irreversible pulpitis

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a dental issue known as irreversible pulpitis. This basically means that the soft tissue inside your tooth, called the pulp, is badly inflamed and can't heal by itself. It often causes a lot of pain. When you have this condition, you'll need to make a decision about how to manage it, and this can feel a bit overwhelming.

To help with this, researchers have created two different types of 'Patient Decision Aids'. Think of these as guides designed to give you all the information you need in an easy-to-understand way, so you can discuss your options with your dental team and decide what's best for you. One of these guides uses health-related comics to explain things, hoping this makes the information more engaging and easier to take in. The other guide provides the information without comics.

The main goal of this study is to compare these two guides and figure out if the one with comics is more helpful for patients. They want to see if it improves how well patients understand their condition and if it helps them feel more confident and informed when making treatment choices. This research is important because it could lead to better ways of supporting people with this specific dental problem in the future.

Key takeaways

The study focuses on understanding and treating a painful dental condition called irreversible pulpitis.
It tests two different patient guides to see which is better at helping people make treatment decisions.
One guide uses comics, aiming to make information easier to understand.
Participation involves using a guide and answering questionnaires.
There are no known risks, and you can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. You should be coming for a regular check-up or first appointment at the Dundee Dental Hospital and Research School. It's important that you can understand and read written English, as the study involves reviewing information and answering questionnaires.

However, you won't be able to join if you're coming to the hospital because you need emergency dental treatment for things like pain, inflammation, or an infection. This study is for people who are having routine appointments and don't need urgent care.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you attending a routine appointment at Dundee Dental Hospital?
Can you read and understand English?
Are you currently not seeking emergency dental treatment for pain or infection?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be assigned by chance to use one of the two special guides mentioned earlier – either the one with comics or the one without. After you've had a chance to look through the guide, you'll be asked to complete some questionnaires. These questions will help the researchers understand how well you understood the dental condition and if the information helped you feel more confident in making decisions about your treatment options. You'll complete these steps during your visit to the dental hospital.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no known risks or harms from taking part in this study. You will simply be reviewing information and filling out some questionnaires. The potential benefit is that your participation will help researchers understand the best way to help patients understand their dental condition and make informed decisions, potentially improving future patient care. Your involvement is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind and stop participating at any time without needing to give a reason. Choosing to withdraw will not affect any of your current or future dental care or appointments at the Dental Hospital.

Locations (1)

Dundee Dental Hospital
Dundee, Scotland

Common questions

What is 'irreversible pulpitis'?

It's a painful condition where the soft tissue inside your tooth is badly inflamed and can't heal on its own, meaning you'll need treatment.

What is a 'Patient Decision Aid'?

It's a tool designed to give you clear information about a health condition and its treatment options, helping you make an informed choice.

Will I get emergency treatment if I join?

No, this study is for adults attending routine appointments, not those needing emergency dental care for pain or infection.

How long will the study take?

The study itself will run from April 2026 to January 2028. Your individual participation will involve reviewing information and completing questionnaires during one of your dental appointments.

Who is paying for this research?

The study is being funded by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow in Scotland.

How to find out more

Thibault Colloc

tcolloc001@dundee.ac.uk 441382385645 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.