Fabrication and Characterization of Diclofenac Sodium Loaded PLA Microspheres for Intra-Oral Application in Extraction Sockets: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Pain management following dental extractions, particularly third molars, continues to be a central concern in oral surgical practice. The standard approach of prescribing oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) often leads to inconsistent outcomes due to patient non-compliance, systemic side effects, and the need for frequent dosing. Furthermore, systemic routes may not achieve optimal drug concentration at the localized surgical site due to rapid hepatic metabolism and plasma protein binding [1,2]. These limitations have prompted a growing interest in site-specific drug delivery systems that can offer both sustained action and targeted therapeutic effects.This study was undertaken to fabricate diclofenac sodium-loaded PLA microspheres and to comprehensively characterize their physicochemical properties. The ultimate aim is to evaluate their potential use in the intra-oral environment—particularly in post-extraction sockets—where sustained anti-inflammatory activity is desirable for enhancing patient comfort and promoting optimal healing