The Impact of Chlorhexidine as an Endodontic Irrigant/Medicament on Post-Obturation Pain in Patients Following Endodontic Therapy: A Preliminary Bayesian Meta-Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT To assess the overall impact of chlorhexidine, when used as an endodontic irrigant/medicament, on post-obturation pain following endodontic treatment by the application of Bayes methods of meta-analysis. This study aimed to combine recently documented evidence using rigorous and specific search criteria. The available data were analyzed using Bayesian methods, which have the advantage of accounting for uncertainties in estimates. This is in contrast to commonly used frequentist meta-analysis methods, which are not able to model uncertainties as effectively, particularly when there is heterogeneity present. A preliminary search was conducted in the Pubmed, Cochrane, and Scielo databases using appropriate keywords. The search aimed to identify human randomized clinical studies that evaluated post-operative endodontic pain and involved the use of chlorhexidine as an endodontic irrigant or medicament. The preliminary Bayesian meta-analysis produced a more accurate estimate compared to a frequentist random effect meta-analysis model, with a narrower credible interval. The frequentist model demonstrated a detrimental impact of chlorhexidine on post-obturation pain, while the Bayesian model indicated a somewhat favorable effect of chlorhexidine on post-obturation pain. Based on the scope of this investigation, it can be inferred that a Bayesian random effects meta-analysis model demonstrated a somewhat favorable impact of chlorhexidine on post-endodontic pain, which carries significant therapeutic significance.