Effect of MTAD on postoperative discomfort: a randomized clinical trial

The purpose of this study was to compare levels of postoperative discomfort after cleaning and shaping of root canals using two protocols for removal of smear layer. Seventy-three consecutive patients requiring root canal treatment were included. At random, canals were cleaned and shaped with one of the following protocols. In group 1, 5.25% sodium hypochlorite was used as the root canal irrigant. The smear layer was removed by placing 17% EDTA in the canal(s) for 1 min followed by a 5-ml rinse with 5.25% NaOCl. In group 2, canals were irrigated with 1.3% NaOCl; the smear layer was removed by placing MTAD in the canal(s) for 5 min. Access cavities were closed with a sterile cotton pellet and Cavit. The patients recorded degree of discomfort at various time intervals after cleaning and shaping on a visual analogue scale for 1 wk. No significant statistical difference was found in the degree of discomfort between the two groups (p = 0.58).