Preliminary in vivo Investigation into the Relationship between Canal Preparation Protocol and Incidence of Postoperative Pain in Single-visit and Two-visit Endodontic Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Postoperative pain is a major concern for patients undergoing root canal treatment. Much research has gone into the alteration of several variables to determine the elusive technique that will result in no postoperative pain. Aim The aim of our study was to investigate the incidence, severity, and duration of postoperative pain in relation to technique of root canal preparation and compare the difference in incidence, severity, and duration of postoperative pain in single- and two-sitting root canal therapy when different instrumentation techniques are used. Materials and methods Sixty adult patients requiring root canal therapy were selected and divided into six groups. Singlesitting root canal treatment was carried out in three groups, with three different canal preparation methods (group I – Conventional hand files, group II – hand ProTaper files, and group III – rotary ProTaper files). Two-sitting root canal treatment was carried out in three groups, with the same canal preparation methods (group IV – conventional hand files, group V – hand ProTaper files, and group VI – rotary ProTaper files). Postoperatively, the subjects were instructed to fill out a series of self-report questionnaires for pain incidence after 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 1 week, and 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, the patients were recalled and their responses were duly noted. Results Results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using Mann–Whitney U test. Conclusion There was a significant difference in incidence, character, and duration of postoperative pain in rotary-prepared canals as compared with hand-prepared canals in both singleand two-sitting endodontics. Clinical significance The purpose of this study was to search for a predictability in incidence, duration, and character of postoperative pain in canals instrumented with hand and rotary instruments. Knowing this will enable clinicians to make more prudent choices in instruments, techniques, and protocols for root canal therapy. How to cite this article Bhagwat S, Sheth N, Padhye L. Preliminary in vivo Investigation into the Relationship between Canal Preparation Protocol and Incidence of Postoperative Pain in Single-visit and Two-visit Endodontic Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. J Contemp Dent 2017;7(1):48-52.