Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Measurement of Pro-resolving Inflammation Biomarkers in Saliva, Gingival Fluid, and Dental Pulp in Patients With Symptomatic Pulpitis and Healthy Controls

This research wants to learn more about swelling and irritation inside your teeth, specifically in the soft inner part called the dental pulp. We're comparing people who have a toothache (pulpitis) with healthy individuals. Researchers will be looking for specific natural substances, called biomarkers, that show up when there's inflammation. These biomarkers will be measured in your spit, the fluid around your gums, and directly from inside the tooth. The main goal is to see if these samples can help us understand how much inflammation is present and if simple checks of spit or gum fluid could be used in the future to easily detect and keep an eye on tooth inflammation without needing more invasive tests. We believe these biomarkers will be different in people with toothache compared to healthy volunteers.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

Université de Nantes

Enrolment target

Start

01 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2028

Pulpitis Healthy

What is this study about?

You know that throbbing pain that can signal a toothache? That's often a sign of inflammation, or swelling and irritation, inside your tooth's soft core, called the dental pulp. This study aims to help us understand this inflammation better. We want to find out what subtle changes happen in the body when teeth become inflamed in people experiencing a toothache, and how these changes differ from those in healthy teeth.

To do this, researchers will be looking for special substances, called biomarkers, in different parts of your mouth: your spit (saliva), the fluid that naturally surrounds your gums, and tiny samples from the dental pulp itself. These biomarkers are like signals that your body sends out when there's a problem, similar to how a fever can signal an infection. By measuring these signals, we hope to get a clearer picture of the level of inflammation inside the tooth.

Ultimately, this research could be really important because it might lead to new, simpler ways to check on your tooth health. Imagine if a quick and easy test using your spit could tell your dentist if there's inflammation brewing, perhaps even before you feel pain. This could help dentists catch problems earlier and treat them more effectively, making dental care less uncomfortable in the long run.

Key takeaways

Researchers want to understand tooth inflammation better.
They're looking for inflammation 'signals' in spit, gum fluid, and tooth pulp.
The goal is to find easier ways to detect tooth problems early.
Participants can be people with a toothache or healthy volunteers.
Participation involves giving samples during a dental visit.
You won't get new medicines, and you can stop participating anytime.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, participants must be at least 18 years old, both men and women are welcome. You could be eligible if you are visiting the dentist for a confirmed toothache caused by inflammation (pulpitis), or if you are having a wisdom tooth removed and your other teeth are generally healthy and free from current problems.

It's very important that you understand what the study involves and are happy to agree to take part by signing a consent form. Only permanent teeth will be considered for the study.

However, some things would mean you can't participate. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you've taken antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicines in the week before the study, you wouldn't be able to join. Also, if you have gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis), a long-term widespread inflammatory condition like uncontrolled diabetes or certain autoimmune diseases, or if you are under legal guardianship, this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you having a toothache (pulpitis) or a wisdom tooth removed with otherwise healthy teeth?
Have you avoided antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs in the last week?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you not have active gum disease or a serious long-term inflammatory illness like uncontrolled diabetes?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have samples collected. This will involve giving samples of your saliva (spit), a small amount of fluid from around your gums, and a tiny sample from the dental pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth). The dental pulp sample would typically be collected during a planned dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction or root canal treatment, if you are having one. There are no additional visits planned specifically for the study beyond your regular dental appointment. You won't be given any study medications. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time taken to collect these samples during a single visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing to a better understanding of tooth inflammation, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment methods for toothaches in the future. There are no direct medical benefits to you personally from participating. Potential risks are minimal and are generally associated with the standard procedures for collecting dental samples, such as mild discomfort from spit or gum fluid collection, or the usual risks associated with procedures like tooth extraction if that is part of your dental care. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical or dental care.

Locations (1)

Nantes University Hospital Dental Clinic
Verified postcode
Nantes, France

Common questions

What is 'pulpitis'?

Pulpitis is simply the medical term for inflammation or swelling of the dental pulp, which is the soft, inner part of your tooth. It often causes toothache.

Is this study giving me new medicine?

No, this study is about collecting samples to understand tooth inflammation better, not about testing new medications.

Will taking part in the study hurt?

Collecting spit and gum fluid is usually painless. Any discomfort from collecting tooth pulp samples would be part of a procedure you were already having done, like a tooth extraction.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your involvement in the study will only be for one visit while samples are collected, which will be during an already scheduled dental appointment.

Will I find out my results?

While the study aims to understand inflammation generally, individual results are usually part of a larger analysis and typically aren't shared directly with participants.

How to find out more

Alexis Mr Gaudin, Professor

alexis.gaudin@univ-nantes.fr +33240412913 Official trial record

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